A pirate parrot, my friend, is not your typical bird. It’s a colorful creature with a penchant for mischief and a knack for picking up the phrases of its pirate companions. Now, when it comes to what a pirate parrot says, there’s one phrase that stands out above all others – “Pieces of Eight, Pieces of Eight!”
But where does this phrase come from? Well, let me take you on a journey to the high seas and the pages of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel, Treasure Island. In this thrilling tale of pirates and buried treasure, one of the most memorable characters is Long John Silver, a one-legged pirate with a parrot perched on his shoulder.
This parrot, named Captain Flint, was no ordinary bird. He had a sharp beak and an even sharper tongue, capable of repeating phrases with uncanny accuracy. And one of his favorite phrases, which he would squawk repeatedly, was “Pieces of Eight, Pieces of Eight!”
Now, you may be wondering, what exactly are these “Pieces of Eight”? Well, in the context of the novel, they refer to Spanish silver coins, known as eight-real coins. These coins were widely used in the Caribbean during the golden age of piracy, and they became a symbol of wealth and treasure.
So, when Captain Flint the parrot squawked “Pieces of Eight, Pieces of Eight!”, it was a clear reference to the treasure that awaited the pirates in their quest for Captain Flint’s buried loot. It was a reminder of the riches they sought, the spoils that would make them wealthy beyond their wildest dreams.
But the phrase “Pieces of Eight, Pieces of Eight!” goes beyond its literal meaning. It has become a symbol of adventure, of treasure hunts, and of the pirate life itself. It represents the allure of the unknown, the thrill of the open sea, and the promise of untold riches.
In popular culture, this phrase has been immortalized and is often associated with pirates in general. Whether in movies, books, or even Halloween costumes, the image of a parrot squawking “Pieces of Eight, Pieces of Eight!” has become synonymous with the pirate persona.
So, the next time you hear someone mention “Pieces of Eight”, remember the mischievous parrot Captain Flint and the world of adventure and treasure that it represents. It’s a phrase that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate our imaginations, just like the pirates of old.