| Pirate Speak of the 1700s |
| a few words, terms, and phrases used aboard sailing ships during the 18th century |
CABLE : Unit of distance for nautical purposes of about a tenth of a mile - rounded to two-hundred yards for
practical purposes.
CANVAS : The sails of the ships were made from the strong and durable fibers of the hemp plant of the Greek
name kannabis.
CAPSTAN : A stout revolving pillar around which the anchor cable would be wound in order to be raised. The
top of the pillar had holes in which posts could be inserted for the sailors working the cable to achieve leverage
in their labour.
CAST AWAY : To be forced away from the ship by disaster.
CATGUT SCRAPER : A musician aboard ship who plays a stringed instrument such as a fiddle.
CATHEAD : A beam protruding from the upper part of the forward hull of a ship upon which the anchor would be
stowed.
CAT O' NINE TAILS : A sort of whip made with a stick for a handle and nine lengths of knotted line attached.
CAT'S PAWS : A light, warm breeze on the sea.
CATTING : Whoring; pursuing harlots.
CHASE GUNS : Cannons positioned at the bow of the ship to fire forward during the pursuit of enemy ships.
CLEAN SWEEP : When a high wave sweeps across the deck of ship, knocking everything off into the sea.
CLOSE HAULED : When the sails and booms are pulled in tight, allowing a vessel to point it's bow in as near the
direction of the oncoming wind as possible.
COB DOLLARS : Gold doubloons hammered into more-or-less a coin shape rather than minted or milled coins.
These coins were very susceptible to being clipped.
COOPER : A carpenter who specializes in making wooden casks and barrels.
CUTLASS, CUTLASH : A short, stout sword ideal for fighting in the close quarters of a seagoing vessel.
DANCE THE HEMPEN JIG : To be hanged, referring to the kicking and squirming of a man hanged and not killed
instantly.
DEADHEAD : A floating log.
DEADMAN : A length of line hanging loose somewhere about the ship.
DEVIL TO PAY : An unfavourable outcome to a bad situation.
DOGWATCH : A short deck watch.
DOXIE : A derogatory name for a young girl; a common street girl; a whore.
DROGUE : A large canvas, cone-shaped bag dragged wide end first behind a vessel to give the appearance of
being under full sail and struggling to make headway. This was a method used to deceive ships upon which the
pirates preyed.
DROPSY : Edema of the bodily tissues.
practical purposes.
CANVAS : The sails of the ships were made from the strong and durable fibers of the hemp plant of the Greek
name kannabis.
CAPSTAN : A stout revolving pillar around which the anchor cable would be wound in order to be raised. The
top of the pillar had holes in which posts could be inserted for the sailors working the cable to achieve leverage
in their labour.
CAST AWAY : To be forced away from the ship by disaster.
CATGUT SCRAPER : A musician aboard ship who plays a stringed instrument such as a fiddle.
CATHEAD : A beam protruding from the upper part of the forward hull of a ship upon which the anchor would be
stowed.
CAT O' NINE TAILS : A sort of whip made with a stick for a handle and nine lengths of knotted line attached.
CAT'S PAWS : A light, warm breeze on the sea.
CATTING : Whoring; pursuing harlots.
CHASE GUNS : Cannons positioned at the bow of the ship to fire forward during the pursuit of enemy ships.
CLEAN SWEEP : When a high wave sweeps across the deck of ship, knocking everything off into the sea.
CLOSE HAULED : When the sails and booms are pulled in tight, allowing a vessel to point it's bow in as near the
direction of the oncoming wind as possible.
COB DOLLARS : Gold doubloons hammered into more-or-less a coin shape rather than minted or milled coins.
These coins were very susceptible to being clipped.
COOPER : A carpenter who specializes in making wooden casks and barrels.
CUTLASS, CUTLASH : A short, stout sword ideal for fighting in the close quarters of a seagoing vessel.
DANCE THE HEMPEN JIG : To be hanged, referring to the kicking and squirming of a man hanged and not killed
instantly.
DEADHEAD : A floating log.
DEADMAN : A length of line hanging loose somewhere about the ship.
DEVIL TO PAY : An unfavourable outcome to a bad situation.
DOGWATCH : A short deck watch.
DOXIE : A derogatory name for a young girl; a common street girl; a whore.
DROGUE : A large canvas, cone-shaped bag dragged wide end first behind a vessel to give the appearance of
being under full sail and struggling to make headway. This was a method used to deceive ships upon which the
pirates preyed.
DROPSY : Edema of the bodily tissues.
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