When referring to the dark blue color that is reminiscent of the deep ocean and the uniforms of sailors, there are two common ways to name this color: navy and navy blue. Both terms are widely used and understood, so is one more correct than the other? Here is a quick overview of the subtle differences between the two terms and when each is more appropriate.
The Origins of the Color Name “Navy”
The first recorded use of “navy” as a color name in English dates back to 1840. It comes from the fact that this very dark shade of blue was used for British Royal Navy uniforms and ship decor since 1748. Over time, the color became strongly associated with the navy and sailors in general. So calling a color “navy” was a natural reference to the dark blue hue of those nautical uniforms and vessels.
The first official documentation of navy as a color name came in the early 20th century. The British Admiralty in 1908 and the U.S. Government in 1917 designated navy as the standard color for both the exterior and interior of naval ships. This further solidified navy as the name for this rich shade of blue.
When to Use “Navy”
Because of its origins and associations, “navy” is best used when directly referencing the color in relation to nautical themes and clothing. Some examples:
– The naval officers wore crisp, navy uniforms.
– I love the navy accents on this boat’s interior.
– Navy is a popular color for men’s dress shirts and suits.
Using just “navy” evokes the maritime affiliations more directly. So it’s ideal when you want to emphasize that nautical connection.
The Meaning of “Navy Blue”
While “navy” as a color name dates back to the 19th century, “navy blue” came into use much later. It first started appearing in the 1950s as another way to describe the very dark blue shade.
Adding “blue” serves to specify and reinforce that the color being referred to is a shade of blue. While most people associate navy with a blue hue, the single word by itself doesn’t inherently specify the color family. “Navy blue” makes it unambiguous that the intended color is blue.
When to Use “Navy Blue”
“Navy blue” is a better choice when the nautical connotation isn’t important in the context. It’s also preferred in more formal or technical writing where using a two-word descriptive color name is appropriate.
Here are some examples of when “navy blue” works best:
– For her bridesmaid dresses, Nina chose a rich, navy blue fabric.
– The website showed swatches of different shades like navy blue, royal blue, and cyan.
– Decorators recommend navy blue as a sophisticated neutral that goes well with many other colors.
In these sentences, the maritime affiliation isn’t relevant, so “navy blue” is ideal. The two-word name also sounds more formal.
Navy vs Navy Blue in Design and Fashion
In the worlds of graphic design, fashion, and merchandising, both “navy” and “navy blue” are commonly used to describe the same dark blue color. When selling products online or in stores, you’ll often see labels and descriptions using the two terms interchangeably.
Some examples:
| Industry | “Navy” Used | “Navy Blue” Used |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic design | Pantone color 19-4023 TPX Navy | CMYK colors for navy blue |
| Fashion | Navy blazer | Navy blue button-down shirt |
| Home goods | Navy towels | Navy blue bedsheets |
In these commercial contexts, either term is fine to convey the same blue color. “Navy blue” may be used when a two-word name seems more descriptive or formal.
Regional Differences
An interesting distinction between the terms appears in regional word usage. In British English, “navy” is more common. “Navy blue” gained more prevalence in American English over the 20th century.
However, both terms are widely understood in both Britain and America. This graph shows the usage frequency of the two phrases in American and British books and magazines:
| Term | “Navy” | “Navy Blue” |
|---|---|---|
| American English | 22,200 uses | 29,600 uses |
| British English | 7,200 uses | 2,200 uses |
So while Americans have used both terms, “navy blue” sees noticeably more use in the U.S. Meanwhile, Brits show a strong preference for “navy”.
Connotations of Navy vs Navy Blue
Beyond the maritime association of “navy”, there are some slight differences in the connotations and emotions implied by the two terms:
| Connotation | “Navy” | “Navy Blue” |
|---|---|---|
| Sense of tradition | Strong | Moderate |
| Formality | Moderate | Strong |
| Sophistication | Moderate | Strong |
As a single-word color name tied to naval history, “navy” conveys a sense of tradition and heritage. “Navy blue” has a more formal and sophisticated feeling, especially in fashion and decorating contexts.
Usage in Other Languages
When translating into other languages, the English term “navy blue” is most commonly adapted. This two-word formation makes the blue color meaning clear.
Direct translations of the single word “navy” are less common as a color name. However, it is sometimes translated as a reference to nautical themes and naval forces more broadly.
Here are translations of the two terms in a few other major languages:
| Language | “Navy Blue” | “Navy” (contextual) |
|---|---|---|
| French | bleu marine | marine |
| Spanish | azul marino | marina |
| Italian | blu navy | marina |
| German | marineblau | Marine |
This shows that other languages tend to adapt “navy blue” literally because it clearly indicates the color, while “navy” is translated contextually to refer to navy themes rather than being adopted as a color name outright.
Conclusion
In summary, both “navy” and “navy blue” are widely used to describe the same dark blue color associated with naval forces. “Navy” has origins directly linked to the British navy and has a traditional, nautical feel. “Navy blue” came later as a more formal descriptive color term and is especially common in America. When you want to evoke maritime themes, use “navy”; when you need a two-word color name or don’t need the nautical connotation, choose “navy blue”. With this guide, you can confidently pick the right term for your context.
