A Pirate's Glossary logoA Pirate's Glossary of Terms

Pirate Lingo: Common Terms and Phrases

Pirate lingo includes a variety of unique terms and phrases used by pirates — from hearty greetings like ahoy (hello) to commands like avast (stop!). You’ll also hear famous words like booty (treasure) throughout pirate tales. Learning these phrases can add fun and flavor to your next theme party, museum visit, or festival — especially during International Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 19.

Greetings and Exclamations

  • Ahoy: Hello! A friendly hail.
  • Avast: Stop! Pay attention.
  • Aye: Yes; agreement.
  • Aye aye: I understand and will comply.
  • Arr! / Yar!: Exclamation of enthusiasm or emphasis.
  • Belay that: Stop that; cancel the order.
  • Heave ho: A chant during heavy effort.

Insults and Threats

  • Landlubber: An inexperienced sailor; someone awkward at sea.
  • Scallywag: Rascal; mischief‑maker.
  • Bilge rat: A filthy, despised person.
  • Scurvy dog: A colorful insult.
  • Black spot: A mark of doom or judgment.
  • Walk the plank: Legendary threat of punishment.
  • Keelhaul: Severe (historical) punishment under a ship’s keel.

Terms Related to Ships and Crew

  • Bow / Stern: Front / back of the ship.
  • Port / Starboard: Left / right sides when facing the bow.
  • Deck / Mast: Main working surface / vertical spar for sails.
  • Galley / Hold: Ship’s kitchen / cargo space.
  • Captain / Quartermaster: Commander / officer managing shares and discipline.
  • Boatswain (Bosun): Crew officer in charge of rigging and maintenance.

Money and Weapons

  • Booty / Plunder: Seized treasure and goods.
  • Doubloon / Pieces of eight: Historic gold / silver coins.
  • Cutlass: Curved, single‑handed sword favored at sea.
  • Pistol / Blunderbuss: Short firearms used in close quarters.
  • Cannon / Shot: Shipboard artillery and ammunition.

Celebrating Talk Like a Pirate Day

On September 19, join the fun by greeting friends with “Ahoy!”, sprinkling a few classics like “Avast!” and “Aye aye!” into conversation, and dressing the part with a tricorn or bandana. Share a sea‑shanty playlist, serve grog‑inspired (responsible) drinks or mocktails, and teach a handful of terms to kids and mates. Keep it light‑hearted and respectful — the goal is playful nautical flair, not historical reenactment.

Conclusion

Whether you’re heading to a festival, hosting a theme night, or just having fun on Talk Like a Pirate Day, a few well‑chosen phrases can bring the Golden Age of Sail to life. When you’re ready to go deeper, browse the full glossary for definitions, ship anatomy, flags, and famous pirates.