Sept 19 has been recognized as International talk like a pirate day, originating in 1995 when two would-be pirates created this cult classic observed around the world.
John Baur, better known as Ol’ Chumbucket and Mark Summers, aka Cap’n Slappy were playing racquetball, and one sustained an injury remarking “Aaarrr!”
The two came up with the idea and choose Summers ex-wife’s birthday as the observed day of recognition so it would be easier for him to remember according to Wikipedia.
The two friends sent a letter to columnist Dave Barry in 2002 who then promoted the idea, resulting in noteworthy attention which started a wave of events and celebrations.
Tom Smith, a Michigan musician, wrote the original “Talk like a Pirate” song in 2003.
Facebook launched a pirate-translator in 2008 where you can change everything you post into pirate-speak.
Common phrases that might be familiar are Avast – meaning stop and pay attention, and “blimey!” being a reaction to surprise and “aye aye” which is a verification of understanding.
“Shiver me timbers” is another commonly used pirate term in movies and books.
Nautical terms, of course, fall under terms pirates would use.
These words are not likely how actual pirates from the 1800-1900s spoke.
In fact, William Clark Russell wrote a dictionary of sailor’s terms called Sailor’s Language in 1883.
George Choundas wrote The Pirate Primer: Mastering the Language of Swashbucklers and Rogues in 2007.
Sept 19 just might be the day you wear an eyepatch to work and growl some pirate speak to your co-workers for a laugh.
