What is the meaning of the phrase ‘welcome aboard’?
Welcome on board, or welcome to the team or project.
What is the origin of the phrase ‘welcome abroad’?
The phrase ‘welcome aboard’ means ‘welcome on board’. The phrase dates back to the 1800s, when it was often used to greet people as they boarded a ship. The phrase became something of a tradition in naval forces, particularly when someone initially joins the crew. It would typically have been said by a captain or a high ranking officer.
In time, the phrase ‘welcome aboard’ also came to be used to greet passengers onto aeroplanes. The meaning of the phrase then became popularised in a hospitality context.
Later, the same phrase was used to welcome astronauts on board for NASA missions and space shuttles. Shortly afterward the phrase also began to be used in films and TV series that feature space exploration, such as the Star Trek films and their various TV spin-offs.
However, since then the meaning of the phrase has expanded further, so that it can also mean ‘welcome to the team’ or welcome to a shared mission’.
How do you use the phrase ‘welcome abroad’?
These days the phrase ‘welcome aboard’ is not limited to welcoming someone onto a ship, aeroplane, or other vehicle…
The phrase is most commonly heard when someone is being welcomed to join a team, whether it be for social reasons or for professional reasons when someone starts at a new company, or changes teams or departments with the same company.
Welcoming someone onto a team is a vital part of the onboarding process, especially in terms of team building. Alternative or additional phrases for this purpose include ‘we’re happy to have you’ and ‘welcome to the club’.
What are some notable uses of the phrase ‘welcome abroad’?
During U.S. presidential inauguration festivities, phrases such as “welcome aboard” can be heard in some announcements, especially when new officials or groups representing states and organisations join the formal parade.
In the 1997 film Titanic, the phrase ‘welcome aboard’ is used to welcome passengers boarding the RMS Titanic before its ill-fated voyage. The phrase, delivered by crew members to passengers in the film, encapsulates the grandeur and optimism of the journey, as well as the sense of luxury associated with the famous ship.
