[GingisK]

Are “blank sailings” cancelled trips or empty ships? Why don’t people use the language properly?

[GaltAdonis]

"Why don’t people use the language properly?"

Furble slingy linguitic!!!
(Always.)

- or -

Plerique muti sunt.

[Tell It Right]

I believe "blank sailings" refer to having to send a cargo ship empty (or half empty) from Point A to Point B in order to get a shipment from Point B to Point A.

The cargo ship industry's best scenario is when cargo has to be shipped in both directions (i.e. dollar store junk made in Asia shipped to the U.S., then agriculture grown/raised in the U.S. shipped to Asia). That way they make money both directions that the ship travels. But if Asian exports to the U.S. are down, all while Asia still buys pork and soybeans from the U.S., then the cost of moving cargo from the U.S. to Asia increases (because little to no money is being made on the ship's trip from Asia to U.S.).

[Pilsner]

Why don’t people use the language properly?

[SPDSHDW]

Because that term may be centuries old.