“Shiver me timbers!”
“Savvy?”
“Aargh! Shocked to the very boney.”
Ah, don’t mind me. I’m just practicing. ~:>
It’s International Talk Like a Pirate Day (ITLAPD) today! In case you haven’t noticed, today is September 19, the one day humankind has reserved solely for pirate speak. This strange celebration all began as a simple joke between two American friends– John “Ol Chumbucket” Baur and Mark “Cap’n Slappy” Summers. The joke took one step further when syndicated columnist Dave Barry heard about it. Here’s a funny trivia. This day happens to fall under the birthday of Summer’s ex-wife.
Before you raise your eyebrows in disbelief, remember that ITLAPD is a valid organization. It has taken Treasure Island star Robert Newton as its idol. Aside from having a wikipedia page, the organization also has its own website where you can browse through pages, purchase TLAPD items and learn more about the different pirate events all over the world. This special day even has its own unofficial anthem, “Talk Like a Pirate Day,” written by American Tom Smith.
What started out as a joke between good friends is now taking the world one port at a time. Sydney Australia is holding a harbor cruise with “flagons of grog at pub prices and prizes to treasure for the dandiest of outfits.”
A few guys from Napier New Zealand have promised to dress up like pirates on the beach with a bottle of rum each!
Different local pubs around the world are getting their clients to support this day and have reportedly “keehauled” a few scallywags!
Anyone can celebrate ITLAPD. At home, you can just treat yourself to a fine dinner and pop in pirate movies for a marathon. And maybe even practice your pirate talk with the people at home.