The Pirate Primer: Mastering the Language of Swashbucklers & Rogues

by George Choundas

Ebbry-blastin'-theng ye needs must know-oo to lay tongue liker aargh-thentic pirate, by the devil's twisted tail. Take a tour through the world of piracy with the only authoritative work on the pirate language. A comprehensive course in pirate vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and syntax, The Pirate Primer contains three centuries of distinctive terms and usages uttered by (and attributed to) pirates in film, TV, literature, and history. Discover more than 100 pages of threats, curses, oaths, insults, and epithets; 31 types of pirate drink; 60 different pirate terms for ''woman''; 67 kinds of pirate torture and punishment; 44 distinct definitions of ''aargh''; and more. Each entry in the Primer is accompanied by an excerpt, so you can see the words and phrases used in proper context by actual pirates. And each linguistic concept is introduced by a related anecdote or narrative account, so you can live the language while you learn it. Whether you're simply fascinated by the culture of the Brethren of the Coast or you fancy yourself a modern-day corsair, The Pirate Primer is your guide to authentic pirate speak. Should you ever stare down Davy Jones and he demands proof that you're one who flies no flag, despair not. You'll be able to talk the talk, and no mistake.

Genres: Pirates, Nonfiction, History, Reference, Language, Research, Historical

480 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Sarah - All The Book Blog Names Are Taken · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't one you read straight through, as it's basically a dictionary of every pirate term you can think of. Each chapter started with a little intro to the section and it's purpose. It's quite a hefty one, I never realized pirates had such extensive vocabularies! But in all seriousness, very thorough and interesting to peruse. Each word or phrase entry is accompanied by pronunciation and examples, and meaning if that is not clear. Fun read.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book for what it is: a reference dictionary with a centralized subject matter. You surely won't find yourself sitting down and thoroughly perusing this compilation of words and phrases cover-to-cover, but it does shed light on the origins and meanings of all of our favorite pirate lingo, actual or fictional.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I writer, I found this book to be an invaluable resource when creating a pirate story (which was accepted into an anthology, by the way). I was able to pick and choose what I needed to fit my worldbuilding, from awesome dialogue to general terminology. It's a one-of-a-kind marvel. I'm using it for a work-in-progress, too, and I couldn't be happier.

[Alan]

Not the kind of book you want to sit down and read. If I were writing dialogue for a pirate movie, this would be a good reference book. For just pleasure reading it is a bust. Very repetitive. It would be comparable to reading the thesaurus.

[Michelle Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous book that will teach you all you need to know how to speak and be a pirate....hehe...
An excellent source for research should you want to write a book with any mention of pirates in it.

[J.R. Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fitting today is International Pirate talk like a pirate day...what a name. Leastways, 'tis a fine read fer those who write of pirates and scallywags.

A very helpful writing resource.

[Kelleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the primer, primarily for the chapter introductions and pirate history sprinkled about.
It is a dictionary/primer, so I didn't read it word for word.

[Martin Blackshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pirate Primer is an absolute treasure trove for any pirate enthusiast or lover of linguistic fun. This book brilliantly captures the gritty, colourful dialect of seafaring scoundrels with wit, charm, and scholarly precision. From grammar and pronunciation to curses and commands, it’s packed with historical insight and swashbuckling swagger. Whether you're preparing for Talk Like a Pirate Day, or like me, writing a pirate-themed novel, this book delivers in spades. Entertaining, educational, and wildly fun This was my go-to book for the final flurishes of my first novel. Especially my villain. 5 stars.

[MeltingPenguins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book, especially for what it's intended for.
Only thing I would have loved to see added would have been a chapter on terms for trial & execution...

[Eddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic reference book!

[Amber Polo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Choundas claims his book includes every pirate reference in film, TV, literature, and historical
accounts over the last three centuries. Entries have sources, though many are fictional – So how did
pirates really talk? Complete with pronunciation, grammar, and syntax.
This is a great book for Johnny Depp fans, to help prepare for a cruise, or for finding new curses and
insults without resort to modern four-letter words. Did you know there is an International Talk Like a
Pirate Day? (9/19, if you’re curious.)

The book’s cover resembles a leather pirate journal and inside the pages are colored as if weathered
and torn. An amazing piece of research which had to be goodly, hearty fun.
Arrgh! (the “gh” is not pronounced.)

[liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome! It's basically just your dictionary of pirate words and phrases.
I have loved having this book. It has made Talk Like a Pirate Day '9/19' so much more fruitful. It is informative and full of insites into those phrases like 'Avast ye!' and 'blow the man down'.
I recommend this book to everyone who loves pirates as much as I do

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book, is amazing. I know it has a bunch of quotes and lines from all sorts of pirate movies. But if You are doin any type of writing and you wanted to add a Pirate and crew in, this book is perfect for that. I Love looking through this book

[Mike W · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great Dictionary!!! Love Pirate talk. Also, there's a fantastic app on Languages that includes Pirate talk--Mango. got it free from my local library website. Has the usual languages plus Cherokee and other cool semi-rare languages.

[Julia Hilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARRRRRGH!

Grammar AND pirates!? It's like a recipe for the world's best book!

[Jeffrey O-brien]

Constantly referencing this book for new complements/insults.

[David Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Acting in Peter Pan. A fun way to get in character