Unless ye be livin’ under a rock, ye must have at least heard of this glorious holiday at some point in yer internet passin’s. Here be a bit o’ history fer ya, and a helpful reference ta’ git’ ye going!
Arr, matey, International Talk Like a Pirate Day, celebrated every September 19th, be a jolly holiday born from the whims o’ two landlubbers, John Baur and Mark Summers, back in 1995. These mates, playin’ racquetball in Albany, Oregon, started spoutin’ pirate lingo for a laugh, tossin’ “arrs” and “avasts” like cannonballs. What began as a private jest amongst friends grew into a grand idea: a day for all to swagger and speak like the scurvy dogs o’ the high seas. They picked September 19th—Summers’ ex-wife’s birthday, easy to recall—and sent a letter to humorist Dave Barry, who hoisted the idea in his column, settin’ the holiday afloat across the globe.
The meanin’ o’ this fine day be more than just mimicry o’ pirate gab; it’s a chance to unleash yer inner rogue, embrace the freedom o’ the seas, and have a barrel o’ fun. From “ahoy” to “yo-ho-ho,” folks don costumes, sling pirate phrases, and revel in the absurdity, whether at taverns, schools, or online with hashtags like #TalkLikeAPirateDay. It’s a nod to the romanticized pirate life—think Blackbeard, not modern brigands—celebratin’ rebellion, camaraderie, and a touch o’ mischief. So, splice the mainbrace, me hearties, and let the world hear yer pirate roar on this grand day o’ swashbucklin’ glee!
Fer those who be new ta’ this here holiday, here be some phrases ta’ help ye git along:
- “Arr!” – A pirate’s all-purpose grunt, meanin’ agreement, surprise, or just fillin’ the air with salty swagger. Like sayin’, “Aye, I’m feelin’ it!”
- “Avast ye!” – “Stop and listen, ye bilge rats!” A sharp call to halt what yer doin’ and pay heed.
- “Yo-ho-ho!” – A merry cheer, oft paired with a swig o’ rum, expressin’ joy or rallyin’ the crew for mischief.
- “Shiver me timbers!” – A cry o’ shock or amazement, like “Well, blow me down!”—as if the ship’s planks be quakin’.
- “Splice the mainbrace!” – “Break out the grog!” A call to drink up, originally meanin’ to repair a ship’s riggin’ but now a toast to good times.
- “Belay that!” – “Quit yer yammerin’!” or “Stop that nonsense!” Used to shut down a task or chatter.
- “Hornswaggle” – To cheat or swindle, like stealin’ a mate’s share o’ the plunder. “That merchant hornswaggled me gold!”
- “Weigh anchor!” – “Hoist the anchor, let’s sail!” The order to get the ship movin’ on the high seas.
- “Landlubber” – A scornful jab at a non-sailor, meanin’ a clumsy, sea-hatin’ fool who’d rather hug the shore.
- “Dead men tell no tales” – A grim warnin’ that leavin’ no survivors ensures no one blabs yer secrets. Pure pirate menace!
- “Scuttlebutt” – Gossip or rumors, named after the water cask where sailors swapped tales. “What’s the scuttlebutt on that treasure?”
- “Three sheets to the wind” – Drunk as a skunk, referrin’ to sails flappin’ loose, makin’ the ship stagger like a tipsy pirate.
- “Blimey!” – A gasp o’ surprise or frustration, like “Good grief!” when ye spot a navy ship on the horizon.
- “Gangway!” – “Clear the path, ye swabs!” A shout to make way, whether boardin’ a ship or stormin’ a tavern.
- “Sink me!” – An oath o’ disbelief or dismay, like “Well, I’ll be damned!” when yer plans go keel over.
Now go forth and show them skallywags what for!