Fun Facts
International Talk Like A Pirate Day ~ Fun Facts
Celebrate September 19th with Pirate Lingo, Family Fun, and a Splash of Humor
Every September 19th, people worldwide channel their inner buccaneer for International Talk Like a Pirate Day. This light-hearted holiday encourages everyone to swap everyday speech for pirate lingo, adding humor to conversations and celebrating the playful side of history and pop culture.
History of International Talk Like a Pirate Day
The holiday was created in 1995 by two Oregon friends, John Baur (“Ol’ Chumbucket”) and Mark Summers (“Cap’n Slappy”), after they spontaneously spoke pirate slang during a racquetball game. What began as an inside joke gained momentum when humor columnist Dave Barry wrote about it in 2002, introducing the idea to a global audience. Soon, people everywhere were shouting “Ahoy, matey!” and “Arrr!” every September 19th. Since then, it has become an international phenomenon celebrated both online and in person.
This holiday appeals because it breaks the routine. Talking like a pirate is silly, harmless, and makes people laugh. It’s inclusive; anyone can participate by simply saying “Avast!” or “Shiver me timbers!” in conversation. For many, the day sparks creativity, builds connections at work, school, or online, and encourages shared fun worldwide.
How to Celebrate International Talk Like a Pirate Day
Here are some fun ways to celebrate:
- Talk like a pirate all day – Sprinkle phrases like “Shiver me timbers,” “Avast ye,” and “Yo ho ho” into your conversations.
- Dress up – Wear a pirate hat, eye patch, striped shirt, or a parrot accessory for extra flair.
- Host a pirate party – Decorate with skull flags, serve “grog” (or mocktails), and play sea shanties.
- Play pirate games – Organize a treasure hunt, try pirate trivia, or play themed board or video games.
- Get social – Share your best pirate impressions, jokes, or costumes on social media with hashtags like #TalkLikeAPirateDay.
- Give back – Some use the day to support charities, combining fun with a good cause.
Pirate Phrases to Try
If you’re new to pirate lingo, here are some fun phrases to get you started:
- “Ahoy!” – Hello
- “Avast!” – Stop and pay attention
- “Aye, aye!” – Yes, I’ll do that.
- “Shiver me timbers!” – Expression of surprise
- “Yo-ho-ho!” – Cheerful pirate chant
- “Matey” – Friend
- “Landlubber” – Someone who isn’t a sailor
- “Walk the plank!” – A classic pirate threat.
Family-Friendly Pirate Activities
This holiday isn’t just for adults—kids love it too! Families can join in with creative activities such as:
- Treasure hunts – Hide small treats or toys and create a map with clues to lead the way.
- Pirate crafts – Make paper hats, telescopes, or flags.
- Storytime – Read pirate-themed books or watch family-friendly pirate movies.
- Pirate snacks – Serve “gold coin” cookies, fish-shaped crackers, or fruit punch.
- Sing sea shanties – Learn a simple tune and sing with pirate flair.
Fun Facts about International Talk Like a Pirate Day
- Pirate lingo isn’t historically accurate—most “pirate speak” stems from Robert Newton’s Long John Silver in Disney’s 1950 Treasure Island.
- It’s a global event—people of all ages from the US, UK, Australia, and beyond join in the fun.
- Tech giants also joined in—at one point, Facebook let users switch language settings to “Pirate English.”
- It’s family-friendly – While pirates in history were known for crime and mischief, this holiday keeps it lighthearted and kid-friendly.
- It’s a great icebreaker – Whether in the office, classroom, or at home, throwing in a “Yo-ho-ho” is sure to spark a laugh.
I’m a pirate. I have been known to walk the plank and swing from ropes -Tyler Perry
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