
In preparation for Sunday, I bring you:
Pirate Jargon - compiled from various sources.
Argh-The first word in any pirate’s vocabulary. This word is used to punctuate any sentence and should be liberally sprinkled throughout the dialogue.
Buccaneer-Pirates who menaced the Spanish of the Caribbean.
Corsair- Pirates of the Mediterranean.
Privateers-Government sanctioned pirates, with permission in the form of a letter of marque.
Aye-Yes or any other affirmative reply.
Ye- Used in place of “you”.
Me-Used in place of “my”.
Booty-Treasure.
Pieces of Eight-Spanish coins found in pirate hoards.
Doubloons-Spanish coins found in pirate hoards.
Keelhaul-A method of punishment aboard pirate ships in which the victim was tied to the ship, thrown overboard and dragged underwater along the length of the keel.
Letter of Marque-License by government to attack and loot enemy ships.
American Main-Eastern coast of North America.
Spanish Main-Mainland taken by Spain, from Mexico to Peru plus the Caribbean islands.
Cat O’Nine Tails-a nine thonged whip.
Gibbet Cage-Chains in which the corpses of pirates were hung and displayed in order to discourage piracy in others.
Hulk-British prison ships that captured pirates and privateers
Red Ensign-British flag.
Scuttle-To sink.
Cackle Fruit-Hen’s eggs.
Marooned-To be stranded, particularly on a desert isle.
Chain Shot-Two cannonballs chained together and aimed high to destroy masts and rigging.
Six Pounders-Cannons.
Scallywag-A villainous or mischievous person.
Scurvy Dog-A prolific pirate.
Hornswaggle-To cheat.
Nelson’s Folly-Rum.
Bring ‘em Near-A telescope.
Heave-To-To come to a halt.
Black Jack-A leather tankard.
Barbary Coast-The Mediterranean coastline of North Africa, from Egypt to the Atlantic coastline.
Hempen Halter-The hangman’s noose.
Jolly Roger-Flag declaring piracy, usually black with a white skull and crossbones or crossed swords.
Broadside-All the guns on one side of a ship, also shots fired by that line of guns.
Pirate Round-Route from North America to the Indian Ocean
Careen-To beach a ship and tip her on her side so the bottom can be cleaned and painted.
Cutlass-A short heavy sword with a curved blade used by pirates and sailors.
Fire Ship-A ship loaded with powder and tar then set afire and set adrift against enemy ships to destroy them.
Gold Road-Road across the Isthmus of Panama used to transport gold by train of pack mules.
Man-of-War-A vessel designed and outfitted for battle.
Overhaul-To come up next to.
Plate Fleet-Fleet of Spanish ships used to carry silver and gold to Europe.
Admiral of the Black-Title of the leader of the Brethren of the Coast, an organization of buccaneers.
“Ahoy, Matey”-Hail, fellow sailor.
“No prey, no pay”-Crew received no wages, but shared in whatever loot was taken.
“Bring ‘er alongside”-Command to bring ships side to side for boarding.
“Hang ‘im from the yardarm”-Pirate phrase for punishment for shipmates of captured prisoners.
“Dance the hempen jig”-To hang.
“Measure ye fer yer chains”-To be outfitted for a gibbet cage.
“Shiver me timbers”-phrase expressing surprise.
“Scourge of the seven seas”-An extremely evil pirate.
“Blow the man down” - To kill someone.
“Run a shot across the bow”-Command to fire a warning shot.
“Run a rig”-To play a trick.
“Hang the jib”-To pout or frown.