I’m descended from pirates and privateers. I have a kickass pirate costume I’ve been consistently adding on to and editing for TEN YEARS. If it has a pirate, it will make me happy.
Naturally, September 19th has become a wonderful holiday for me. Talk Like a Pirate Day has slowly but surely taken the world by storm, and this lass is well pleased about it. Want to join in on the celebration, but not sure how? Consult the list of suggestions below!
Get ye a ravishing moniker – every pirate must have a fantastic name. For a straightforward pirate name generator, try this one. I highly recommend trying different variations of your name! If you don’t want to be limited by your real name, just click through male and female options until you find a combo that tickles your fancy here. For those willing to set aside an extra two or three minutes to fill out a “scientific” quiz for your name, you’ll be rewarded with a backstory. Of course, these are the options for those of you who don’t want to be burdened with creating your own name, but that’s always a valiant option!
Now that you have your name, you need to convert the world around you! Set your Facebook language to “English (Pirate)” to go from managing events to managing grog fests!
Okay, but how do I actually talk like a pirate? And not sound like a lily-livered knave, but instead a fearsome and cunning villain of the seas? First, consult the Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, compiled in 1811 as a compendium of all the slang of the British underbelly. Afterwards, venture further into the Online Pirate Glossary to find pirate equivalents to everyday words in groupings such as financials, name-calling, merriment, and general phrases. You’ll go on account in no time.
Put that newly acquired pirate-speak to good use at Krispy Kreme and Long John Silver’s for a free donut or piece of chicken/whitefish, respectively. If you dress up like a pirate according to Long John Silver’s standards, you’ll get a free two-piece fish or chicken basket!
While you’re out munching on your newly acquired edible plunder, take a moment to review a real Pirate’s Code. Maybe you’ll live by it for the day, or create a new one for your crew!
Trade out your PSL for some grog! 2 ounces dark rum, 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 4 ounces hot water, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1 orange slice in a mug will cheer you right up. Just mix it all up and drink!
For those feeling extroverted, check out your local bars and event calendars to see who is having pirate parties near you. You’ll be shocked to see just how many others are celebrating! There are adult-only options as well as several family-friendly options, so even the smallest pirates can be included.
For introverts, a day of books and movies can’t be beat. For a long list of movie options, consult this list featuring everything from the tried and true to old treasures. My personal favorites for this are Hook, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Princess Bride. If you’re looking for reading material instead, take a look here and here for lots of good fiction. Or hit up your favorite bookstore’s historical section to read about the true (and seriously awesome) tales of the sea. Anything about Grace O’Malley will make even the most downtrodden girl feel empowered.
Go “plundering” by hitting up thrift stores and discount antique malls to get incredible deals on amazing stuff from the past. Want to do it from your house? Try ebth.com for online estate sales from Everything But the House. As someone who grew up around antiques, I can tell you that lots of this stuff is WAY underpriced!
Yearning for the sea? Plan a voyage of your own! Whether it’s a lake weekend with friends or a week-long cruise, let yourself have some time to just relax and have fun.
Stay safe, have fun, and may your Pirate Day become an annual tradition!
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