I have to admit that I had completely forgotten that “International Talk Like a Pirate Day” actually started just 45 miles away from me. Two guys in Albany, Oregon started the annual event, mostly as a lark, until columnist Dave Berry got hold of it, and blew it up, big time in 2002.
It was in his column that the concept of spending an entire day, talking like a pirate, got “sea legs” and really took sail. The story is actually pretty hilarious…even the “how did you choose the date?” part…that ends up revolving around one of the “founder’s” ex-wives.
You can visit the official site HERE.
Not surprisingly, the British got into it (after all, most of the best Pirates were actually British), but their site(s) — are confusing, and seem to center on a Pirate names “Mad Cap’n Tom” who has none of the gravitas or “real Pirate” vibe that a Blackbeard, or Captain Kidd, or Sir Francis Drake have. And yes…ironically, Drake was a pirate before he became a “sir” for taking apart the Spanish armada, one ship at a time.
I know a lot about pirates. I was obsessed with pirates when I was young, (before I decided I would rather be a World War One fighter ace). But, when the National Talk Like a Pirate Day first surfaced, my love of Pirate lingo returned quickly.
But…I have to admit, my first attempts were not well received…and almost got me fired.
