Have you ever heard someone yell “Arrr, matey!” for no reason in September? Chances are, they’re celebrating Talk Like a Pirate Day — the one day a year when it’s perfectly acceptable (and even encouraged) to speak like a salty sea dog. But when is Pirate Day, and how did such a quirky holiday sail into our calendars? Let’s set sail and find out!
⚓ When Is Pirate Day?
Mark your calendars, landlubbers — International Talk Like a Pirate Day falls on September 19 every year. It’s not just a random date; it’s a global day of humor, imagination, and a playful nod to pirate culture.
What started as a private joke between two friends has turned into a worldwide phenomenon celebrated from the U.S. to Australia. On this day, social media floods with pirate memes, people greet coworkers with “Ahoy!” instead of “Hello,” and even brands join in the fun.
🏴☠️ The Funny Origin Story
Back in 1995, two friends from Oregon — John Baur (“Ol’ Chumbucket”) and Mark Summers (“Cap’n Slappy”) — invented Talk Like a Pirate Day during a casual racquetball game. They were joking around, tossing pirate slang back and forth, when one of them suggested it should be a holiday.
-
The first celebration was private, just between friends.
-
It went viral after humor columnist Dave Barry wrote about it in 2002.
-
From there, the internet took over — and Pirate Day became a yearly sensation.
Did You Know?
The official website, talklikeapirate.com, still exists and offers a full “Pirate Dictionary” for anyone wanting to upgrade their vocabulary before September 19.
🌍 How People Celebrate Pirate Day
Pirate Day isn’t a serious affair — it’s pure fun! People celebrate it in wildly creative ways.
Here are some favorites:
-
Social Media Shenanigans: Twitter and TikTok fill up with pirate jokes, memes, and videos.
-
Dress-Up Fun: Schools, offices, and even coffee shops host pirate costume days.
-
Charity Tie-Ins: Some events turn the day into fundraisers for children’s hospitals or literacy programs.
-
Gaming & Online Events: Video games like Sea of Thieves often host in-game events on September 19.
Even brands have hopped aboard. For years, Krispy Kreme gave away free doughnuts to anyone who talked (or dressed) like a pirate on this day!
🗺️ Pirate Lingo 101
Want to join in but not sure what to say? Here are some easy starters:
-
“Ahoy!” – Hello
-
“Avast!” – Stop and pay attention
-
“Aye aye!” – Yes, I understand
-
“Matey” – Friend
-
“Shiver me timbers!” – Wow or surprise
You don’t have to be perfect. The goal is to have fun and unleash your inner pirate for a day!
❓Quick Q&A
Q: Is Talk Like a Pirate Day an official holiday?
A: Nope! It’s unofficial — but it’s celebrated by millions around the world just for fun.
Q: Who decides the date?
A: The creators, Baur and Summers, picked September 19 because it was the birthday of Summers’ ex-wife — an easy date to remember!
Q: Can I celebrate online?
A: Absolutely. Hashtags like #TalkLikeAPirateDay and #PirateDay make it easy to join the digital crew.
🧭 A Personal Take
I’ve celebrated Pirate Day a few times, and honestly — it’s impossible not to smile when your coworkers start saying “Arrr!” during a morning meeting. It’s silly, yes, but that’s the point. Life’s too serious sometimes, and Pirate Day gives us a reason to laugh, play, and be a little ridiculous together.
🏝️ Why We Love Pirate Day
So, when is Pirate Day? Every September 19, the world collectively drops anchor and celebrates humor, history, and good old-fashioned imagination.
If you’ve never joined in, this might be your year. Grab a pirate hat, brush up on your “Arrrs,” and see how much fun you can have talking like a pirate for a day.
What’s your favorite pirate phrase? Tell us in the comments below — or share this post with your shipmates! ⚓