SlingiOriginal watercolour, bodycolour (gouache) and chalk on board. This artwork is unframed and measures 29. 5 x 21 cm (a4). This Shetland Norn word means a large wave or a heavy swell in the sea. It is thought that there are so many words to describe sea conditions because the language was strongest amongst sailors and fishermen. Some even had taboo words that should not be mentioned in particular circumstances, for fear of bad luck.