Happy International Talk Like a Pirate Day

Originally published on September 19, 2017.

Shiver me timbers! Arrr, today be September 19… nay…it not be jus’ another ordinary day. It be International Talk Like a Pirate Day!  In order t’ be celebratin’ this auspicious occasion with zest and swagger, ye best be talkin’ like a salty sea-dog. Arrrre ye ready?

The Basic Rules o’ Talking Like a Pirate

  • Always say aye nay yes.
  • Always say ye nay you.
  • Always say me nay my.
  • Always roll yer R’s.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxiOlkzUw5w

Jus’ Another Ordinary Day Glossary o’ Favorite Seafarin’ Hearty Words and Phrases

ahoy: interjection; used to express a greeting as in hello
ahoy, matey: interjection; hello, my friend
aaarrrggghhhh: interjection; an exclamation of discontent or disgust
avast ye: verb; look at this
aye: adverb; used to express affirmation or agreement as in yes
blimey: interjection; used to convey surprise; short for God blind me!
blow me down: interjection; used to express strong emotion like surprise or shock as in oh, my gosh
booty: noun; stolen goods, especially jewelry, cash and precious metals like the family silver
bunghole: noun; the opening in a bottle, especially beer and rum, that is plugged with a cork or stopper
cap’n: noun; short for captain; used as a term of respect
dead men tell no tails: idiomatic phrase; pirate’s excuse for leaving no survivors
deadlights: noun; eyes
grog: noun; diluted rum or any alcoholic concoction
ho: interjection; used to convey surprise or joy, attract attention to something (especially when pointing) or to encourage onward
hornswoggle: verb; to swindle, cheat or hoodwink
landlubber: noun; an unseasoned sailor; a slow. clumsy person
me: adjective; my
nay: adverb; not
salty: adjective; experienced
scallywag: noun; scamp, rascal, scoundrel, rogue
scurvy dog: noun; a disgusting, foul person
sea-dog: noun; an old pirate or sailor
shiver-me-timbers: interjection; used to convey excitement or surprise as in oh my gosh!
swab: verb; to mop or clean
three sheets to the wind: adjective; extremely inebriated
yo ho ho: interjection; used to express great joy; typically repeated over and over at increasing volume while consuming grog as in yo ho ho and a bottle of rum!

Since this be only a short list o’ me favorite seafaring’ tongue, ye might need to use this hearty pirate translator to get through th’ tide on this special day. Yo ho ho, me hearties, may ye have a Happy International Talk Like a Pirate Day!

 

For a wee bit more fun click here t’ find yer own inner seafarin’ pirate persona and share yer results in th’ comment section below! Arrr!