Seriously, do I really need to remind me hearties that September 19th is International Talk like a Pirate Day? Now as to whether or not pirates actually ever talked like someone spiked their grog with ground glass is a matter I’ll leave to the linguists to decide. But ever since Wallace Beery’s legendary portrayal of Long John Silver in the 1934 classic Treasure Island, the supposed parlance of the privateer would find its way into the performance of every swashbuckler that ever raised a cutlass while under sail on a Hollywood sound stage. And in 1952 piratical interjections would be taken to new heights by Robert Newton in the film Blackbeard, the Pirate.
Click on the image of that bearded, wild-eyed, old captain of the Queen Anne’s Revenge for this year’s crash course in swagger and pirate speak.
Now that you’ve become adept at the art of the Arrghs, let us review the recently revised pirate code of conduct:
- Always put your best peg-leg forward.
- Remember to press your pantaloons.
- Compliment the fit and finish of your shipmate’s puffy shirt.
- Never fly your Jolly Roger above the Stars and Stripes.
- Buy your crew the next round of Grog.
- Extend your hook to one in need.
- Stand on the side of your shipmate’s good eye.
- Share your booty with the less fortunate.
- And always let your parrot have the last word!
But before you get all caught up in the “yo-hos” of the day, remember that a good number of our fellow shipmates have been facing some pretty rough seas as of late. Who would have thought that a couple of blowhards named Harvey and Irma could cause more hardship and devastation than all the scourges and scalawags that ever sailed the Seven Seas? So before you weigh anchor, why not pass on some of those spare doubloons to those who need your help and support? And remember that a savvy captain never sets sail without a good navigator.
Click on the image below to learn more about hurricane relief.
Now that you’ve done your crew proud, it’s time to raise the roof and the rum!
Ye Have a Very Happy Talk Like a Pirate Day!
And while you’re at it, why not sing like a pirate while listening to these two old nautical favorites?
Posted by: Chris Poh for American Public House Review
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