JS Tip 76: From the Speaking Workshops: Talk Like a Pirate

We need to lighten things up a bit. Life is short.

The day after tomorrow, Sunday, September 19th, is “International Talk Like a Pirate Day.” Every September 19th is “International Talk Like a Pirate Day.”

Enjoy it. Some suggestions:

Drop your voice a couple of octaves. Speak from the bottom of your throat. Perhaps it was all the salt air.

Use pirate words. Begin every statement with “Arrrr!” Add “Ahoy!” (“Hello!”), “Avast!” (“Look!”), “Aye!” (Yes!), and “Aye aye!” (“Absolutely! I agree completely!”)  

Drop the “g” in “-ing” words like “rowing,” “sailing,” and “fighting”: “rowin’,“ “sailin’,“ and “fightin’.”

Drop the “v” in “never,” “ever,” and “over”: “ne’er”, “e’er” and “o’er.”

Ne’er speak in anythin’ but the “be” verb. Instead of saying “I am,” say “I be.” Instead of saying “You are,” say “You be.” Instead of saying, “They are,” say “They be.” Aye. Life be simpler here.

Double up on all your adjectives. Never speak of “a big ship,” call it a “great, grand ship!” Never say “never,” say “No nay ne’er!”

Have fun. Surprise your family.

Between now and Sunday morning, google “Talk Like a Pirate Day.” You’ll get over 300,000 hits. The holiday was started by two pirates in Oregon:  Cap'n Slappy and Ol' Chumbucket. Learn more at http://www.talklikeapirate.com/piratehome.html

And wait ‘til next year: “International Talk Like a Pirate Day” falls on a Monday. A work day. Your boss will love it. Aye.