How to talk like a pirate

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Believe it or not, International Talk Like a Pirate Day (ITLAPD) has been in existence for 19 years. On 19 September 1995, John Baur (Ol' Chumbucket) and Mark Summers (Cap'n Slappy) from America proclaimed the day should be marked where one and all would talk like a pirate.

Here are some common terms you need to know to talk like a pirate: (Thanks to Ol' Chumbucket and Cap'n Slappy for all the words and translations).

Five basic terms

1. Ahoy. Of course we all know this one - "Hello".
2. Avast! "Stop! Give attention!" This term can be used when surprised.
3. Aye! "Yes, I absolutely agree."
4. Aye aye! "I'll get on that, as soon as my break is over."
5. Arrr! Not to be confused with "Arrgh!" Arrr! can be used for most things. "Yes, I agree," I'm happy," "This show is great," etc.

Advanced pirate lingo

1. Beauty. how to address a woman. Always preceded by "me," for example, "C'mere, me beauty."
2. Grog. An alcoholic drink - usually rum diluted with water - but use this term freely for any beverage you want. Water aboard ship was stored in slimy barrels so rum was added to a sailor's water ration, to kill the rancid taste.
3. Lubber (or land lubber). A seaman would refer to someone who would not go to sea as a "lubber" (land lover.) It's possible you are a lubber for most of the year, but not if you're talking like a pirate. You can use this term as an insult.
4. Smartly. This means do something quickly.

Make the most of TLAPD

• Visit Yarr Maps to find links to the parrrrties, fund-raisers and pub crawls planned around the world for TLAPD
• You can change your Facebook profile into pirate lingo. Just click "settings" "edit language" and pick "English (Pirate)"
• If you want anything translated, simply visit postlikeapirate.com