Change tact

[SJFarter]

It's tack, isn't it. It's a sailing metaphor.

When referring to a change in direction, position, or course of action, the correct phrase is to change tack. This is in reference to the nautical use of tack which refers to the direction of a boat with respect to sail position. This phrase has long been confused as "change tact" but this is technically incorrect.

I stole this from Google. You are correct!

I had sailing lessons years ago, I remember tacking being sailing in the direction of the wind but in a zig zag (as the boat can't sail directly into the wind). So changing tack is changing direction.

Thank you and thank you google

I wonder if change tact is commonly used as people think it's an abbreviation of change tactics?

@SJFarter

It's tack, isn't it. It's a sailing metaphor.

Yes of course. I have never heard anyone say 'tact'

Yes of course. I have never heard anyone say 'tact'

One of the managers at work says it and now it's spreading throughout the office.

It's definitely tack in my book, from yachting. Do you have a desire to correct the manager? I am not asking if you will, just would you like to.

@upinaballoon

It's definitely tack in my book, from yachting. Do you have a desire to correct the manager? I am not asking if you will, just would you like to.

Hmm, possibly. I think I'm happy just knowing I'm right.

I had one line manager who said "We was....". I didn't like her much, for various reasons, not only the grammar.
I did like another line manager but I noticed she wrote on the board, "Your a great bunch".
Those women did my yearly reports. My performance pay depended on them. I kept quiet - until now.

We had peacemeal today too...

"Changing tact" particularly bugs me. I'm often surprised by how many people say this when they should be saying "changing tack". Cretins, all of them.