The word "swabbies" is usually used to refer to sailors or deckhands. Some common synonyms for this word include seamen, mariners, navigators, boatmen, crew members, and deckhands. These terms all generally refer to individuals who work on ships, boats, or other vessels and who are responsible for tasks such as navigation, maintenance, and cleaning. While each of these terms may have slightly different connotations, they are all generally interchangeable with the word "swabbies" and can be used to describe individuals who work in the maritime industry. Other related terms may include naval personnel, merchant sailors, or fisherman.