Don’t just throw out sailing terms randomly. Know the history behind them so you can use them correctly. For example, did you know that “shiver me timbers” is the nautical equivalent of saying, “My teeth are chattering with fear?"[3] X Research source
You could, for example, call a person who cuts you off in traffic a “bilge rat. " In a pirate ship, the bilge is the lowest level of the ship. A rat living in the bilge lives among slime and ballast. [4] X Research source You could also call someone who is awkward or inexperienced a “landlubber. " Although traditionally thought to mean “land lover,” this word actually comes from the word “lubber. " Lubber means clumsy or uncoordinated. [5] X Research source “Scurvy” is an insult that implies you feel scorn towards a certain thing. [6] X Research source If you are annoyed at your sibling, for example, you could call them a “scurvy buccaneer. "
Although pirates commonly say “arr” in pop culture, pirates historically may not have used this exclamation so often. This phrase was popularized by Robert Newton, who played Long John Silver in Treasure Island. He used a southwest English accent. While pirates from this region may have said “arr,” pirates from other countries likely didn’t. [7] X Research source
Drop your g’s and v’s in words. Instead of “never ever,” for example, say “ne’er e’er. " Swap words like “laughing” or “swimming” with “laughin’” and “swimmin'”
Pirates also do not say “my. " Don’t say, “Look at my map. " Instead, say, “Lookit me map. " Swap “myself” for “meself. "
Remember, pirates don’t giggle. Make sure every time you laugh, you add a proper dosage of spite to your voice.
You could damage your vocal cords if you’re not careful. Drink soothing herbal tea at the end of the day to rest your vocal cords, and take care of yourself if you lose your voice. [9] X Research source
If you’re prone to “uhms” or your voice often shakes, don’t be afraid to pause. Pausing gives you a moment to recollect your thoughts and gain extra confidence. [10] X Research source
