Shiver Me Timbers! It’s International Talk Like a Pirate Day!

Ahoy me hearties! Today, September 19, 2026, is International Talk Like a Pirate Day! Time to strap on your eye patch, strap on your hook hand, and give your friends a proper dose of piratical parlance.

To get you in the spirit, here is a breakdown of classic pirate lingo from the folks over at TalkLikeAPirate.com:

Ahoy! – “Hello!”
Avast! – Stop and pay attention. Can be used to express surprise (“Whoa! Check that out!”) or as a quick “No way!” or “Get off!”
Aye! – “Why yes, I agree most heartily with everything you just said.”
Aye aye! – “I’ll get right on that, sir—as soon as my break is over.”
Arrr! – Not to be confused with arrrgh (the sound made when sitting on a belaying pin). Arrr! can mean “yes,” “I agree,” “I’m happy,” “I’m enjoying this drink,” “My team is going to win,” or even “That was a clever remark.”
Beauty – The ultimate pirate address for a woman. Always preceded by “me,” as in “C’mere, me beauty.”
Bilge rat – The bilge is the lowest, slimy, reeking level of the ship. A bilge rat is a rodent living in the absolute worst spot on board. Use it affectionally (or not) to insult your friends.
Bung hole – The hole in a wooden cask stopped up by a wooden bung. When dinner is served, announce: “Well, me hearties, let’s see what crawled out of the bung hole.”
Grog – Traditionally rum diluted with water (used on long voyages to mask the taste of stagnant water). On Talk Like a Pirate Day, call whatever you’re drinking grog!
Hornpipe – Both a musical instrument and a spirited dance sailors enjoyed.
Lubber (or Landlubber) – Someone who stays on dry land. On this day, “lubber” serves as a primary insult for anyone not joining in on the pirate talk.
Smartly – To do something quickly. E.g., “Smartly, me lass!” when ordering another round.

Free Grub Alert!

Long John Silver’s is celebrating the holiday! Stop by to snag a free piece of fish or chicken, or dress up in full pirate attire to score a full free basket.