International Talk Like a Pirate Day Sep. 19, 2024

Ahoy, mateys, it is International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Today, landlubbers and seafarers alike put on their tricorn hats and hoist the Jolly Roger. The origin of this holiday goes back to a 1995 joke between two friends, John Baur and Mark Summers. During a racquetball game, one of them exclaimed "Aaarrr!" in response to an injury, and the concept of a day dedicated to pirate lingo was born. Initially an inside joke, Talk Like a Pirate Day gained popularity after the duo shared the idea with humourist Dave Barry in 2002, who promoted it in his syndicated column. Since then, it"s become a day of fun and parodic celebration—people don pirate costumes, engage in pirate-themed activities, like the kid on the ship in today"s image, and embrace mock pirate language. Whether ye be a seasoned buccaneer or a greenhorn, today be for all to enjoy. So, batten down the hatches, set sail and remember: on this day, everyone can be a pirate.

© INGO WAGNER/DPA/AFP via Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Farewell, Ma’am
Sep. 19, 2023Splügen Pass, Switzerland
Sep. 19, 2025Thousand Islands region, St. Lawrence River, USA-Canada border

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Feb. 23, 2024Haghartsin Monastery, Armenia
A street filled with sakura trees
Jun. 19, 2025Vila Franca Islet, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
The ‘potato chip bird’
Where is this scenic view?
Nov. 2, 2023Death Valley National Park, California
Nov. 4, 2025Tower Bridge, London, England
Nov. 15, 2025Irohazaka Road in autumn, Nikko, Tochigi, Japan
An island crossroad of culture
Jan. 19, 2026Abraham Lake, Alberta
Dec. 2, 2024Moose, Denali National Park, Alaska, United States
Dec. 15, 2024Lake Misurina, Dolomites, Italy
Pretty in pink
This blue succulent is as good as gold here
Jan. 4, 2026Kings Mountain, Chugach Mountains, Alaska, United States
Jan. 8, 2026Starling murmuration over the ruins of Brightons West Pier, England
Aug. 26, 2025Trullo buildings in Alberobello, Apulia, Italy
Aug. 14, 2025Cable car station on Piz Nair mountain, Graubünden, Switzerland
Jul. 12, 2024Mount Rainier National Park
Oct. 24, 2025Night view of the RMS Queen Mary, Long Beach, California, United States
Apr. 12, 2025International Day of Human Space Flight
Dec. 29, 2025St. Gregory Church in Ani Ruins, Kars, Türkiye
Apr. 24, 2025Spire Cove in Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, Alaska, United States
A 50-year balancing act
Aug. 12, 2024World Elephant Day
Apr. 14, 2024Bowling Ball Beach, California, USA
Dec. 14, 2024Christmas Bird Count turns 125
A sky full of stars
A day of swing and celebration
Blood moon