An old sailor is someone who has spent a long time at sea, and is experienced in the ways of the ocean. The term can be broken down into four words: SALT (4 letters), TAR (3 letters), SALTY (5 letters), and SEADOG (6 letters). SALT is a mineral used to preserve food, and is also found in seawater. TAR is a sticky, black substance used to waterproof ships. SALTY is an adjective used to describe something that has a strong taste of SALT. SEADOG is a slang term for an experienced sailor.