… is my pirate name according to the "pirate name generator" on Long John Silver’s Web site. Before you think I’m crazy, let me explain how it all started. While doing some research, I came across a press release for this fast food retailer’s annual “Talk Like A Pirate Day” on Sept. 19 (today!). The title of the release was so funny that I couldn’t help but laugh. And yet, I was strangely intrigued.
The seafood chain, which is named after the pirate in Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, is inviting customers to get in on the buccaneer fun and visit their restaurants today for special “Talk Like A Pirate Day” festivities, including pirate-themed menu items and hats. This got me wondering: who came up with this “holiday?” Long John Silver’s? Someone else?
Well the company’s press release says “‘Talk Like a Pirate Day’ began in 1995 when creators Mark Summers and John Baur were playing racquetball in Albany, Ore. When one player reached for a tough shot, he exclaimed, "Aaaaarrrr!" Spontaneously, the two began speaking in pirate jargon, complete with accents, and the idea was born.”
Well that didn’t really answer my question, so I read on to discover some really funny stuff. A rep from the company states that “Pirates have never been more ‘in,’ but that's not news to Long John Silver's. Long before Johnny Depp embraced his inner pirate by bringing the character of Jack Sparrow to life in 'Pirates of the Caribbean,' we recognized America's love affair with pirates and named our company after one." (Here is where the stifled giggles began.) The rep went on to say, "Asking us if we celebrate 'Talk Like a Pirate Day' is like asking Santa Claus if he celebrates Christmas. We celebrate piracy in a fun way every day at our restaurants, but Sept. 19 is pretty special to us." (Enter uncontrollable, exploding laughter)
Long John Silver’s even conducted a “non-scientific” poll that revealed "Arrr, matey!" is the favorite pirate expression among 5,000 voters. (In case you were wondering, the rest of the most popular sayings were "Shiver me timbers," followed by the Long John Silver's tag line "Yarr, Genius!," then "Hand over the Treasure Chest (extra tartar sauce, please)" and "Yo-ho-ho!")
The press release also refers readers to the company Web site, which I could NOT pass up after reading such interesting information. Turns out their Web site has a special page dedicated to pirates, including a pirate dictionary and, of course, the aforementioned "pirate name generator" (Go ahead and give it a whirl, I promise you’ll laugh).
Will this actually generate more sales for Long John Silver’s today? Will more consumers flock to their restaurants? Maybe. It’s definitely attention-grabbing and humorous, and who doesn’t like some light-hearted fun? I can bet, though, that their Web site will be seeing some record-setting heavy hits.
-- Mad Dog Maude the Squeemish (but just for today)