Ahoy mateys! It be International Talk Like A Pirate Day tomorrow, September 19! What better time than to sing some sea shanties, buckle our swashes, and head out to the high seas for some Pirate Trivia.
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Want more pirate trivia goodness? Here are a few podcasts to sail with and learn more about pirates.
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Episode Transcript/Quiz
Episode Introduction
Avast me hearties. It be International Talk Like A Pirate day tomorrow, September 19th and what better way to prepare than with thirty nautical and pirate trivia questions!
I be yer captain for this voyage, Brian Rollins and this be the Dorky Geeky Nerdy Trivia Podcast. Every week, we be scouring the seven seas for trivial booty to appease yer thirst for questions.
Weigh anchor ye mangy dogs and set a course for the open seas.
The Dorky Round
1. A black flag with a skull and two bones crossed diagonally was commonly called what?
2. What pirate called the Queen Anne's Revenge his flagship?
3. What character, played by Johnny Depp, was added to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in Disneyland in 2006?
4. If you're facing the fore of a ship, what side is to your right?
5. If you have a course heading of one-eight-zero, what direction are you going?
6. Tides, the rising and falling sea level, are caused by what two things?
7. A lookout aboard a vessel would be stationed where on a sailing vessel?
8. A cutlass was a type of what?
9. It's not a kitchen on board a ship, it's a what?
10. A Cat O' Nine Tails is a version of what?
The Geeky Round
1. A pirate, acting under a charter from a government, is known as what?
2. Speaking of privateers, which worked for Queen Elizabeth and completed the second circumnavigation of the globe.
3. Scurvy, a common affliction for sailors, was caused by what?
4. Mary Read and Anne Bonnie were captured and convicted of piracy but spared execution. Why?
5. What is the more common name for dragging a person behind a ship?
6. Davy Jones was slang for what person?
7. What sea mammal was mistaken for mermaids by ancient sailors?
8. If you're going to 'give no quarter,' What are you doing?
9. Jack Rackham went by what more colorful moniker?
10. Born in Barbados in 1688, what pirate went by the nickname, The Gentleman Pirate?
The Nerdy Round
1. Born in Scotland, what pirate was portrayed by Charles Laughton in 1945?
2. What are the ingredients of Grog?
3. What's another name for the larboard side of a ship?
4. In nautical parlance, if someone is three sheets to the wind, what's going on?
5. The forecastle (pronounced fok-sul) is located where on a ship?
6. What famous ruler was kidnapped by pirates in 75 BC?
7. What French pirate brothers were granted pardons after the Battle of New Orleans?
8. What US schooner, serving from 1799 to 1823, served in both the Mediterranean and Caribbean and captured the HMS Boxer in 1813?
9. What Englishman, fancying himself a pirate Robin Hood, went by the names Prince of Pirates and Black Sam?
10. Executed in China in 1560, what pirate started his maritime career as a salt merchant?
Episode Conclusion
And we’re back safe at port. Take some dramamine and relax. If you’re a pirate fan or just want to learn more about them, be sure to check out our book of the week: The Republic of Pirates by Colin Woodard.
In the early eighteenth century, the Pirate Republic was home to some of the great pirate captains, including Blackbeard, “Black Sam” Bellamy, and Charles Vane. Along with their fellow pirates—former sailors, indentured servants, and runaway slaves—this “Flying Gang” established a crude but distinctive democracy in the Bahamas, carving out their own zone of freedom in which servants were free, blacks could be equal citizens, and leaders were chosen or deposed by a vote. They cut off trade routes, sacked slave ships, and severed Europe from its New World empires, and for a brief, glorious period the Republic was a success.
You can grab this or any previous book of the week at dorkygeekynerdy.com/book.
We’ll set sail next week for another bit of plunder and adventure. Here’s your map to the treasure:
What series made frequent use of the numbers 4, 8, 15, 16, 23 and 42?
I hope to see you next week. I’m your host, Brian Rollins. Thanks for listening and smooth sailing my friends.
Episode Feedback
I love pirates, but I clearly have a lot to learn. I’ll pick up your book recommendation to help.