Talk like a Pirate Day

Talk Like a Pirate Day is here, and the only thing better than sea breezes and sandy toes is sprinkling your speech with a little swashbuckling swagger. Consider this your quick-start guide to pirate speak, with plain-English meanings and easy Port Aransas examples so you can pillage the day’s fun like a pro. Ready the grog, you scallywags—class is in session!

Class is in session!

Below you’ll find pirate words with plain-English meanings and Port A-ready example lines you can use during your visit!

Ahoy!

• Hello / attention

• “Ahoy! Meet ye crew by Horace Caldwell Pier for sunrise surf.”

Matey

• Friend / Crewmate 

• “Round up yer mateys—it’s time to head to the beach.”

Landlubber

• Non-sailor

• “Even a landlubber can handle a calm day at sea.”

Shiver me timbers!

• Expression of surprise

• “Shiver me timbers! That dolphin just jumped in the channel.”

Booty

• Treasure / prizes

• “Today’s booty is a bucket of shells and a perfect sunset.”

Grog

• Drink (usually boozy)

• “Meet at Sip Yard for sunset grog before the live music starts.”

Scallywag

• Playful rascal

• “You scallywags skipped the ferry line for a donut run, didn’t ya?”

Crow’s nest

• High lookout

• “From the crow’s nest of the pier, you can spot tarpon rolling.”

Swashbucklin’

• Bold, adventurous

• “It’s a swashbucklin’ day: jet skis at noon, surf session by sunset"

Davy Jones’ locker

• The deep sea

• “Clip that hat or it’s bound for Davy Jones’ locker off the pier.”

Now you can greet your crew at Horace Caldwell Pier with a hearty “Ahoy!”, toss out a “Shiver me timbers!” when dolphins surface in Lydia Ann Channel, and seal sunset plans with a confident “Aye-aye.” Translate for any landlubbers in your group—and sprinkle the lingo at beach bars, on the Jetty Boat, and along the jetties. Bonus points if you wear a bandana or eye patch and book a turn on the Red Dragon to really live the part. Talk like a pirate, roam like an islander, and let the Gulf breeze do the rest.

Red Dragon Pirate Cruises

Want to spend the day like a true pirate? Book a voyage on Red Dragon Pirate Cruises, where a costumed crew leads you along the Lydia Ann Channel with cannon fire, sword-fighting, treasure hunts, and plenty of dolphin-spotting in between. It’s family-friendly swashbuckling at sea, with options for birthday parties, school trips, private charters, and special events—so you can turn any Port A day into a full-on pirate adventure. Reserve ahead to snag your spot, then shout “ahoy!” and climb aboard.