Talk Like a Pirate Day

If Your Name is Roger, Prepare To Get Jolly

There are novelty days that cover every eventuality. ‘Put a Hat on Your Dog’ day or ‘Rub a Clergyman’ day or ‘Wear Your Pants on the Outside of your Clothing for Asthma’ day. It often seems they have been created by some sort of random word generator. But one weird and wacky national day has surpassed all others when it comes to reach and brand penetration. And, as you’ve probably noticed, it’s today: Talk Like a Pirate Day.

In 1995, John Baur and Mark Summers were playing racquetball when one of them was hurt and went ‘Arrrrr’ like a pirate. This tickled them and so they started a day when everyone could mimic the same salty speech patterns. This particular date was chosen as it’s Summers ex-wife’s birthday, so he’d remember it. Slowly recognition and adoption of the holiday grew, with Google and Facebook introducing a ‘pirate’ language option and firms like Krispy Kreme giving away free donuts to anyone who is piratey enough. And for those who don’t enjoy all this wackiness, come on, it doesn’t do any harrrrrrm.