About the Pirate Translator
This pirate translator swaps everyday words for classic buccaneer vocabulary: hello becomes ahoy, friend becomes matey, money becomes doubloons, and you becomes ye. It also drops the g from words ending in ing and sprinkles in the occasional Arrr.
It is a hit on International Talk Like a Pirate Day, which falls on September 19 every year, and handy for pirate party invitations, game night messages or just annoying your group chat.
How to use it
- Type your message in plain English.
- Read the pirate version as you type.
- Copy it and share it with yer crew.
Example: English to Pirate
Before: Hello my friend! Are you coming to the party tonight? Bring your money and some food.
After: Ahoy me matey! Be ye comin' to th' shindig tonight? Bring yer doubloons an' some grub.
Pirate words and what they mean
- ahoy: hello
- matey: friend
- hearties: friends, a pirate's crew
- ye: you
- yer: your
- aye: yes
- nay: no
- avast: stop, pay attention
- booty: treasure or loot
- doubloons: gold coins
- pieces o' eight: silver coins, or money
- grog: a sailor's drink
- grub: food
- landlubber: someone clumsy at sea, a clueless person
- scurvy dog: a rude insult for an enemy
- shiver me timbers: an exclamation of surprise
- Davy Jones' locker: the bottom of the sea
- Jolly Roger: the pirate flag
- port: the left side of a ship
- starboard: the right side of a ship
- galley: a ship's kitchen
- the head: a ship's toilet
- savvy?: do you understand?
Pirate Translator FAQ
- When is Talk Like a Pirate Day?
- International Talk Like a Pirate Day is celebrated every year on September 19.
- Did real pirates talk like this?
- Mostly no. Much of the classic pirate accent comes from movies, especially Robert Newton's performance as Long John Silver in the 1950 film Treasure Island.
- Can I use it for a party invitation?
- Aye. Write the invite normally, translate it, and paste it into your card or message.
