Mark Summers and John Baur, otherwise known as Cap’n Slappy and Ol’ Chumbucket, are the creators of International Talk Like a Pirate Day, or ITLAPD, which is celebrated on September 19. According to the Talk Like a Pirate website, the point of the holiday is to have fun.For those who might be too embarrassed to talk like a pirate, Cap’n Slappy recommends keeping it simple. He said in the early days of ITLAPD, him and his group of friends called one another at work and simply yelled “ARRRR!” into the phone.

He said although boldness is encouraged, it’s not required. In plenty of cases, one ‘AHOY!’ leads to another.

“If the best ye can do is give the dog a hearty, ‘ARRRR!,’ that would be splendid enough,” he said. “But if ye find the courage to be bold, ye’ll be surprised by all the folks out there just waiting to let their ‘Jolly Roger’ fly!”

As far as favorite phrases go, Cap’n Slappy named these:

• Splice the mainbrace! – (Have your first drink of the day)
• Slap Weasel Grease to it and March on! – (Continue on despite all obstacles; this is a Cap’n Slappy Original)

To celebrate the 10^th anniversary of ITLAPD, new t-shirts are available on the Talk Like a Pirate website.

Resources

For those who might not know the specifics of pirate speak, the Cap’n Slappy and Ol’ Chumbucket have a short video tutorial explaining “The Five A’s” and how to talk like a pirate.

If you’re still eager to learn more, their website also contains lessons in three different languages!

Facebook Fun Fact

If you’re really into pirate talk, did you know you can change your specified language on Facebook to Pirate? Here’s how!

1. Go to your Account Settings

2. Find the language section and click on the “Edit” option

3. Change to “English (Pirate)”

4. Avast!