Ahoy, matey! Do ye know what September 19th is? Why, it’s International Talk Like a Pirate Day! Are ye ready?

Talk Like a Pirate Day is a fun time for pirate lovers everywhere to break out their favorite pirate lingo, party, pillage and plunder. Some even dress up like pirates to celebrate the day. So how did a day like this get started? Well, blimey…it all began with two friends were playing racquetball.

On a June afternoon in 1995, John Baur and Mark Summers were playing a friendly game and yelling out banter to each other. At some point, one of them let out an “Arrrr!” From that point on, their banter turned into pirate-speak. They had so much fun using the pirate slang that they decided to take it a step further and make an entire day out of it. September 19th was chosen as the special date because it was Mark’s ex-wife’s birthday, which somehow made it easier to remember. They also decided that award-winning columnist Dave Barry should be the voice behind the day to make it really take off and go international. Several years later, after stumbling across Dave’s email address and summoning the courage to approach him with their off-the-wall idea, Dave was in. Later that year, in 2002, Dave published a column about the day and the rest is history! People all over the world have been celebrating every since. Facebook even picked up on it and offers a way to translate your newsfeed into pirate.

If you’re a pirate enthusiast and want to celebrate, there are a variety of ways to do so. Chocolate coins, also known as “pieces of eight” or “doubloons” are a great treat, perfect for kids and adults alike. Get your favorite pirate sayings or a smilin’ Jolly Roger imprinted on them to make the perfect pirate booty!

It’s a day that everyone can celebrate, young or old, land lubber or seadog. Kids especially love the day because it gives them a reason and an excuse to speak in a language that they’re actually familiar with. Plus, it’s just plain fun! Dressing up may not be for everyone, but going to the grocery store and making the cashier raise her eyebrows at you when you ask her to bag up your booty is great fun. (Make sure you use your pirate accent though, or you may find yourself in a bit of trouble!) So, spread the word, enjoy some chocolate doubloons and a tankard of grog (assuming you’re of legal age, or you may find yourself walking the plank!) But most importantly…keep calm and talk like a pirate! Arrrr!