Pirate Jargon

AHOY my pals.

I do like watching movies related to sea adventures and pirates, you know. That is why I have decided to post something on pirate jargon. Pirates, naturally, have their own jargon. Let's learn something about their jargon.

Have you ever noticed pirates' hats? Their hats are called tricorn hats. Tri stands for three and corn for corner.

They usually have a treasure map. A map that leads to treasure. If you find a treasure map someday, do not forget to get a proper shovel.

A pirate whose map has an X is a very lucky guy. An X on a treasure map shows where the treasure is hidden.


Their flag with a skull and crossbones is called Jolly Roger. Whenever a pirate does something wrong he has to walk the plank. This means that he is forced to walk on a board that is extended out of the ship and over the sea. What does happen next?

Aye. You are right. He will meet Davy Jones, then. Or he will be in Davy's grip. To be in Davy's grip means to be close to death or frightened.

A pirate may say shiver me timbers in order to express his surprise when, for example, he sees a good target for his mates' plunder from his skyglass (telescope) while standing in the crow's nest. Crow's nest is simply a small platform at the top of the mast. A pirate climbs it up to have a better view of the sail of another ship.

Well, these are only a couple of terms from the dictionary of pirates. Did you enjoy you learning them? Have you ever thought that pirates may have their own dictionary? Waiting to read your comments.

Fair winds! (goodbye!, good luck!)