Which term describes shiny metal kept polished rather than painted?

The term that describes shiny metal that is kept polished rather than painted is "Brightwork." This term specifically refers to the polished metal surfaces commonly found on ships, such as brass and stainless steel fittings, which are maintained to a high shine to not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also to showcase a vessel’s care and pride.

Maintaining brightwork is important for naval traditions and also serves practical purposes, as shiny metal can be less prone to rust and corrosion when properly cared for. The effort put into polishing these surfaces reflects the overall attention to detail and maintenance standards prevalent in naval operations.

The other terms do not pertain to the characteristics or condition of metal. For example, "Below" refers to the lower decks of a ship, "Bunk" typically refers to a sleeping space, and "Chit" is often used to describe a voucher or a note. Hence, these terms do not relate to the concept of polished metal surfaces.