Buccaneer- Was originally a term to call privateers who fought against the Spanish; later it was used as a term to describe the pirates of the Atlantic, esp. the Caribbean

To  Go on Account- Phrase used by pirates to describe the act of turning towards piracy

Poop Deck- The deck the furthest back on a ship; usually above the captain's quarters; not meant as the "bathroom deck".

Shiver Me Timbers-  A phrase used to express shock or surprise; The idea of timbers shivering comes from the shaking sent up in the mast (timbers) by either running aground or a  hit by an foe.

Quarter- The phrase quarter  came from the idea of shelter; when quarter was given, it meant that mercy would be shown by the pirates. No quarter meant that no one would be spared. Quarter was usually given to someone who surrendered quickly or to a formidable foe.

Bounty- Reward or payment given in return for something.

Booty or Loot- Treasure, gold, or money taken illegally.

Plunder- The act of raiding or robbery.

Cutlass- A short, heavy, single edged sword, once used mostly by sailors.

Mutiny- To rise against authority, particularly a naval or military power.

Maroon- To leave stranded on a deserted island.; Sailors would leave disobedient shipmates on deserted islands, without any of getting off

Jolly Roger- Typically a black flag showing white bones; indicates a pirate ship. Different pirates used different symbols. For more information about the Jolly Roger, see our Jolly Roger page.

Spanish Main- In the 17th century, the Caribbean was called this. It is the mainland of Spanish America along the coast of South America. The Caribbean sea and adjacent waters especially at the time when the region was infested with pirates.

Landlubber- The word lubber is an English word for a slow, oaf-like person. This word was usually directed at those who were inept or uneasy aboard the ship.

Black Spot- A black spot meant that you were marked for death. It was usually a black dot on a piece of paper.  It generally told you how long you had to live and was usually given to those who had gone against the code . You can often see the black spot in many pirate stories. One story is "Treasure Island".

Matey- a friend or shipmate

First Mate- the captain's right hand man; he is the second highest officer on the ship

Walk the Plank- to walk the plank was when a prisoner was forced to walk off a piece of wood protruding out of the side of the ship into the water.