In case you weren’t aware, every September 19th is National Talk Like a Pirate Day. Indeed, ’tis true! And one thing I learned when my son was little was that kids LOVE all things pirate-y. So don’t overlook the fun to be had on this (obscure) holiday!
Take what would be a normal, boring Wednesday this year and jazz it up with some of these fun ideas for Talk Like a Pirate Day!
The Lingo for Talk Like A Pirate Day
Since it is TALK like a pirate day, you need to know the lingo! This list will help you with your pirate speak:
- Ahoy! = Hello!
- Ahoy, matey! = Hello, friend!
- All hands on deck! = Get over here now!
- Arrrrr! = It can mean anything
- Aye = Yes
- Avast ye = Pay attention
- Booty = Loot, treasure
- Cutlass = Pirate Sword
- Heave Ho! = Give it all you’ve got!
- Hoist = Raise, lift up
- Jolly Roger = The skull and crossbones flag / can also be referred to as “colors” as in “Hoist the colors!” Each pirate crew could be identified by the “colors” (flag) they sailed under
- Landlubber = A person who lacks sailing skills (’tis best to make them walk the plank!)
- Poop deck = Ship’s deck that is the highest and farthest back
- Scallywag = A name that is used as an insult to someone
- Shiver me timbers! = An expression used to show shock or disbelief
- Walk the plank = A punishment where a scallywag is made to walk off the side of the ship
- Yo Ho Ho = An expression of pirate cheer
Want a good laugh? You can change your Facebook language to pirate!
The Fun on Talk Like a Pirate Day
A quick trip to the nearest party store, Dollar Tree, or the party section of Walmart and Target should produce enough pirate items for a mini-fun day. Plastic “gold doubloons,” eye patches, and perhaps some pirate paper goods (for pirate-y snacks — see down below) should be just festive enough. You can’t go wrong with pirate hats, bandanas, hook hands, and foam swords either!
Or you might be surprised at the pirate goodies you can plunder up from your own house!
Every pirate needs a treasure map to lead him to the booty! Here are some free printable treasure maps to color.
Or, personalize this pirate coloring sheet with your child’s name and print it out for coloring.
If you are feeling particularly crafty, let everyone design/make their own Jolly Roger (pirate flag) so they can be identified across all the seven seas!
We can’t let a holiday pass us by without a good book on the subject. If you don’t have any pirate books of your own, check out the library! Some of our favorite pirate titles are Pirate Pete and Pirate Pete’s Talk Like a Pirate, Captain Buckleboots on the Naughty Step, and Shiver Me Letters: A Pirate’s ABC. Older kids might enjoy a book like Pirateology.
A container of sand or rice with “treasure” buried in it is a fun, sensory activity for littles! “Treasure” ideas include bead necklaces, plastic “gold doubloons,” or fake gemstones.
A piece of masking tape across the floor (or sidewalk chalk on the driveway) can turn into a fun game of “walk the plank”. Don’t forget to talk like a pirate while you’re making those scurvy sea dogs walk the plank!
Pinterest is a plethora of Pirate-themed fun if you need more ideas.
The Food for Talk Like a Pirate Day
What is a holiday without good food? Special treats are called for on a day like Talk Like a Pirate Day!
Pirate ship cupcakes are super simple to make! Make cupcakes as usual and adorn with sails and flag. Sails and flags were printed from this site and attached to toothpicks.
“Fish and Chips” is an easy Pirate snack — it’s goldfish and potato chips tossed in the same bowl!
These pirate bananas couldn’t get any easier either! Cute, delicious and healthy!
Any candy that comes wrapped in gold foil (like Rolos) or silver foil (like Hershey’s kisses) is a fun “treasure” treat.
Want to go all out? Here are more pirate party food ideas!
