Classic Pirates has been a tad slack covering this glorious occasion in the past, but by thunder, the tide has turned! For the first time ever we’re firing a full 12-gun salute to properly honour the day…
After all, talkin’ like a pirate be our daily tongue, while landlubbers only muster the fortitude for a bit of nautical nonsense once a year… if that. So this year, let’s all celebrate International Talk Like a Pirate together!
What is International Talk Like a Pirate Day?
Why, it be a playful celebration held every year upon September 19th, where folk around the world slip into a bit of pirate‑style speech for fun.
It’s not about goin’ full buccaneer, just sprinklin’ your day with a few hearty “arrrs,” “ahoys,” and sea‑dog expressions to keep things lively.
Aa few years back made the very punny comic you see above.
Conception
The whole affair began during June 1995 when two mates, Cap’n Slappy (Mark Summers) and Ol’ Chumbucket (John Baur), who joked their way into the concept during a racquetball game.
Cap’n Slappy and Ol’ Chumbucket
Throughout the game, they randomly began chiding each other in “pirate slang”, well the romanticised version of pirate speech what evolved from Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island and on-screen portrayals of pirates by actor Robert Newton, among other influences.
Long John Silver: Disney’s first popular pirate
The pair decided they would spend an entire day talking “like pirates” just for fun.
September 19, the annual date of the celebration be arbitrary. It coincides with the date of Summers’ ex-wife’s birthday… a day what didn’t clash with other observances and supposedly easy for him to remember. But who remembers their ex-wife’s birthday, anyway?
The official website – also covers LEGO Pirates
For the next several years the occasion was mostly celebrated among friends, until it was popularised in 2002 by humor columnist Dave Barry. From then forth, the day spread like Saint Elmo’s fire across the nautical horizon, becoming a lighthearted excuse for people to enjoy an occasion with a touch of pirate flavour.
These days, many join in by tossin’ around nautical phrases, wearin’ a bit of pirate garb, or enjoyin’ themed activities. It’s simply a cheerful moment to break routine, have a laugh, and channel a hint of the adventurous spirit of the old sea rovers.
What Do Yer Think?
Will ye be celebrating International Talk Like A Pirate Day?
Have some rum then have some fun!
Or will yer be one of them landlubbers what completely ignores it? Or do yer already talk like pirate every day and glad the rest of the world is catching up, if only for a bit?
Tell us yer piratical plans and musings in the and comments…
