Ahoy, matey! International Talk Like a Pirate Day, on September 19, invites everyone to speak like a swashbuckling buccaneer for a day. Say 'arr', call your friends 'me hearties' and talk about treasure and the high seas. It's a playful holiday that brings out everyone's sense of fun, while also offering a chance to learn about the real history of pirates.
History of International Talk Like a Pirate Day
International Talk Like a Pirate Day was created in 1995 by John Baur and Mark Summers, two friends in Albany, Oregon. During a racquetball game, one of them shouted a pirate phrase, and they decided there should be a day for talking like pirates. They chose September 19 because it was the birthday of Summers' ex-wife, a date easy for him to remember.
The day remained a small joke until 2002, when humor columnist Dave Barry wrote about it, and it spread around the world.
Real pirates were far less charming. The 'Golden Age of Piracy' lasted roughly from the 1650s to the 1730s, when pirates such as Blackbeard, Anne Bonny and Mary Read attacked ships in the Caribbean and Atlantic. Much of the 'pirate speech' we use today, including the famous 'arr', comes from actor Robert Newton's West Country accent in a 1950 film adaptation of 'Treasure Island'.
Why International Talk Like a Pirate Day Matters
The day is pure fun, encouraging creativity, play and laughter for all ages.
It also sparks curiosity about maritime history, geography and the real lives of sailors and pirates.
Many schools and libraries use the day to encourage reading adventure stories, and some businesses offer pirate-themed deals, adding to the fun.
How to Celebrate International Talk Like a Pirate Day
- Talk like a pirate: use phrases like 'Ahoy', 'Avast' and 'Shiver me timbers'.
- Dress up: wear an eye patch, bandana or tricorn hat.
- Have a treasure hunt: hide 'treasure' and make a map.
- Read a pirate story: try 'Treasure Island' by Robert Louis Stevenson.
- Learn real history: read about famous pirates.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, encourage team members to greet each other in pirate speak or host a pirate-themed lunch. In classrooms, students can write pirate stories, create treasure maps with coordinates, or learn about the real Golden Age of Piracy and the lives of sailors. At home, families can hold a treasure hunt, make pirate hats from newspaper or watch a family-friendly pirate movie. Encourage children to invent their own pirate names.
Fun Facts About International Talk Like a Pirate Day
- The day was created in 1995 by John Baur and Mark Summers.
- Dave Barry's 2002 column made it famous.
- Modern 'pirate speech' was influenced by a 1950 film.
International Talk Like a Pirate Day FAQs
When is Talk Like a Pirate Day?
International Talk Like a Pirate Day is September 19.
Who started Talk Like a Pirate Day?
John Baur and Mark Summers, in 1995.
Why do pirates say 'arr'?
The phrase was popularized by actor Robert Newton in a 1950 film.
When was the Golden Age of Piracy?
Roughly from the 1650s to the 1730s.