Originally Posted by
Christopher
Yes, they are real words but they're used mainly by people in the transport industry, and I suspect that they were originally made up by the industry.
I don't see any problem with that. One of the beauties of the English language is its ability to create and absorb new words. Where else would you expect them to create new words than in the place where the words are needed? The last thing we need is an Academie Anglaise governing our language.
Originally Posted by trooper
When I was deploying to the gulf in 1990 I embussed for a short ride, then debussed and emplaned for a short flight.. then deplaned and embarked on my ship... didn't disembark for QUITE a while....
One of the odd things about this phrase is that the oldest pair has the strangest construction - disembark. Embark - To get on a barque (a type of boat). Disembark - to un-get on a barque?