International Talk Like A Pirate Day: 5 fresh phrases that go far beyond ahoy

USATODAYBut live folks certainly do, and many of them will be “avast” and “ahoy”-ing the day away today, using the same tired lingo they did in third grade.

Let’s dig deeper.

Sept. 19 is International Talk Like A Pirate Day, and we have your guide to five phrases we think should make their way back into the everyday lexicon.

Try them around the office today and let us know how it goes!

HORNSWAGGLE — To trick, deceive, scam.

“I’m tired of Pam always hornswaggling everyone out of the last donut!”

CACKLE FRUIT — Chicken eggs, a rare treat for pirates at sea.

“Hi, I’d like a sausage, pepper and cackle fruit sub for delivery, please.”

LICK-SPITTLER — A kiss-up, self-promoter

“Jack picked up the boss’ dry cleaning AGAIN, that lick-spittler!”

CAPE HORN FEVER — An imaginary disease used to get out of responsibilities.

“It’s awfully coincidental Jane is sick the same time that big report is due. Must be Cape Horn Fever.”

BILGE RAT — A rodent living in the darkest, dankest part of a ship; an insult.

“Ugggh. Howard cooked his fish in the microwave, that bilge rat!”