Would you ever want to talk like a real pirate? Then raise your sabre and head aboard a ship dominated by a black flag with a skull. Because today, September 19, is the day to talk like a pirate. Come and try out a dictionary full of funny and terrifying phrases.

Pirates are part of history, sea stories, but also movies and books. Many characters, such as Blackbeard, have become world famous. Indeed, pirates have attracted interest for decades, as they are an eternal theme that never gets old. Adventure, rum-drinking, plundering, treasure, their own ship’s rules, and their tongue in cheek. All of this is probably what everyone thinks of when they hear the word pirate. And perhaps it is these aspects and the romanticized notion that spreads around them that most attracts attention.

This fascination has taken on even greater proportions. For the last few decades, on one particular day every year, people have amused themselves by trying to speak pirate slang. They provide themselves with a lot of fun and interesting experiences.

Talk like pirates

And where did this day come from, during which you can cheerfully talk like a pirate? It all started with friends John Baur and Mark Summers, who suddenly started talking like pirates while playing racquetball in 1995. They liked it so much that they decided to do it again every year.

The chosen date of September 19 was more practical than purposeful. It was Summers’ ex-wife’s birthday. Not only was it easy for him to remember, but no other holiday fell on this day. At first, the pastime was spread only among friends, but in 2002 it was popularized by columnist Dave Barry.

Pirates could be recognized on the seas by their typical flag. ━━ Pirates could be recognized on the seas by their typical flag. ( Source: donfiore /  iStockphoto )

Pirate Phrases

The universal shout Arrr!, which can mean approval, joy, or anger,has probably become well-known . When drinking rum, they would often shout or chant Yo-ho-ho cheerfully. The saying ‘dead men don’t talk’ was also popular. Typical pirate speech is ungrammatical and full of slang expressions.

Pirates in stories

There have been many classic and modern stories about pirates. As early as the late 19th century, Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island was published. Daniel Defoe gave an insight into the life of a man who became a pirate in The Adventures of Captain Singleton . In 1821, Sir Walter Scott published The Pirate. Pirates also appeared in J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, the most famous being Captain Hook. The Pirates of the Caribbean film series then became popular, to great acclaim.

A day of fun

A day to talk like a pirate is widespread and very popular in many countries. People have a lot of fun not only talking, but also seeing people’s reactions. Try to tune in to the pirate jargon and celebrate this holiday. You can also find out about the history of pirates who have plied the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and other parts of the world. There are also pirate-themed events in many places. You won’t be bored!