Avast Ye Mateys It Be Talk Like A Pirate Day!

Following Be a sampling of me Pirate Lingo…Arrr…Feel free to add to me list.

avast – A command meaning stop or desist.

belay – (1) To secure or make fast (a rope, for example) by winding on a cleat or pin. (2) To stop, most often used as a command

Blimey! – An exclamation of surprise.

booty - Treasure.

bring a spring upon her cable – To come around in a different direction.

coxswain – A person who usually steers a ship’s boat and has charge of its crew.

deadlights - (1) Strong shutters or plates fastened over a ship’s porthole or cabin window in stormy weather. (2) Thick windows set in a ship’s side or deck. (3) Eyes. ie: “Use yer deadlights, matey!”

fire in the hole – A warning issued before a cannon is fired.

Gold Road – A road across the Isthmus of Panama used to transport gold by train of pack mules.

grog blossom – A redness on the nose or face of persons who drink ardent spirits to excess.

hang the jib – To pout or frown.

hempen halter – The hangmans noose.

Jack Ketch – The hangman. To dance with Jack Ketch is to hang.

keelhaul - To punish someone by dragging them under a ship, across the keel, until near-death or death. Both pirates and the Royal Navy were fond of this practice.

loaded to the gunwalls – To be drunk.

mizzen - A fore-and-aft sail set on the mizzenmast.

nipperkin - A small cup or drink.

pillage – To rob of goods by force, especially in time of war; plunder.

poop deck – The highest deck at the stern of a large ship, usually above the captains quarters.

provost – The person responsible for discipline on board a ship.

run a rig – To play a trick.

scallywag – A villainous or mischievous person.

Sink me! – An expression of surprise.

splice the main brace – To have a drink or perhaps several drinks.

squiffy – Somewhat intoxicated; tipsy.

topgallant - Of, relating to, or being the mast above the topmast, its sails, or its rigging.

wherry - A light, swift rowboat built for one person usually used in inland waters or harbors.

ye - You.

yo-ho-ho – An exclamation associated with pirates.