Ahoy, matey! If ye be curious about how pirates used to talk, ye’ve come to the right place. Pirates of old had a colorful way of speaking, filled with their own unique slang and sayings. Here be some of the most famous pirate phrases, along with their meanings. Try our Pirate Translator to translate your common tongue to pirate speak.
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1. Ahoy!
One of the most well-known pirate greetings, “Ahoy” simply means “Hello!” or “Hey there!”
2. Avast!
This command means “Stop!” or “Pay attention!” It’s often used to grab someone’s attention, much like saying “Look here!”
3. Aye, Aye!
When a pirate says “Aye, Aye,” they mean “Yes, I understand and will do as ordered.” It’s a form of acknowledgment and obedience.
4. Arrr!
“Arrr” can mean just about anything, depending on the context. Pirates might use it to express joy, frustration, excitement, or agreement. It’s the ultimate pirate catch-all.
5. Shiver Me Timbers!
An expression of surprise or shock, “Shiver me timbers!” is akin to saying “Oh my goodness!” It refers to the wooden supports (timbers) of a ship being shaken or “shivered” by rough seas.
6. Yo Ho Ho
Often heard in pirate songs, this jolly phrase is synonymous with the pirate life. It’s a celebratory expression, especially when pirates are sharing a drink.
7. Walk the Plank
Pirates didn’t actually make people walk the plank often, but in tales, this phrase meant being forced off a ship into the sea. It has come to symbolize punishment or doom.
8. Scallywag
A scallywag is a rascal or troublemaker. Pirates might call someone this if they were being mischievous or dishonorable.
9. Landlubber
A landlubber (or just “lubber”) is someone who isn’t familiar with the sea—basically a non-pirate or someone new to the pirate life.
10. Davy Jones’ Locker
This refers to the bottom of the sea, where drowned sailors (and unlucky pirates) end up. Pirates might use this to threaten someone with death by saying, “Ye’ll be sent to Davy Jones’ Locker!”
11. Blimey!
A British expression adopted by pirates, “Blimey” is used to express surprise or disbelief. It’s like saying “Wow!” or “Good grief!”
12. Heave Ho
Pirates used this phrase when working together to hoist sails or lift heavy items. It’s a command to “put your strength into it.”
13. Me Hearties
A way for pirates to address their crew or close companions, “me hearties” is similar to saying “my friends” or “my comrades.”
14. Pieces of Eight
Pirates often talked about “pieces of eight,” referring to Spanish silver coins that were used as currency during the golden age of piracy.
15. Weigh Anchor
This phrase means to pull up the anchor and set sail. Pirates used it when they were ready to leave a location and head back out to sea.
16. Swashbuckler
Though not a saying, pirates were often called swashbucklers, which referred to their daring and adventurous nature.
17. Dead Men Tell No Tales
Pirates would use this phrase to remind others that no one left alive could reveal their secrets. It was often used as a threat to those who might try to betray them.
Final Thoughts
Whether ye be planning to join a pirate crew or just want to impress your friends with some sea-worthy lingo, learning these pirate sayings will surely put the wind in yer sails. So, hoist the Jolly Roger and sail the seas with these phrases in yer vocabulary!
FAQs
When Is National Talk Like a Pirate Day?
The annual event is held on September 19th where people are free to express their inner pirate.
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