SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/scuba-why-called-the-bends

The nickname "the bends" for decompression sickness first appeared among which workers?

Brooklyn Bridge caisson workers in the 1800s.

Start playing free

  1. Brooklyn Bridge caisson workers ✔
  2. Navy submarine crews
  3. Coal miners in Wales

Why: Workers came up from long shifts in pressurized caissons hunched over in pain. Their stooped posture looked like a fashion trend called the Grecian Bend, so people called it the bends.

Huh, didn't know that: PADI compares the bends to opening a soda: a quick pressure drop makes dissolved gas form bubbles.

The dad joke
Why couldn't the sailor play cards? The captain was standing on the deck.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Brooklyn Bridge caisson workers. Workers came up from long shifts in pressurized caissons hunched over in pain. Their stooped posture looked like a fashion trend called the Grecian Bend, so people called it the bends.

  1. PADI: What Are the Bends in Scuba Diving? blog.padi.com/what-are-the-bends-in-scuba-diving
    The term first appeared in the 19th century with the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Sports & FitnessWhat is the most commonly reported first symptom of decompression sickness?Sports & FitnessWhat is the first rule of scuba diving?Sports & FitnessWhat can happen if a diver holds their breath while ascending?

That's stuff everyone should know.