Where did our modern interpretation of the 18th century pirate’s accent come from? | AskHistorians Archive Observer

Where did our modern interpretation of the 18th century pirate’s accent come from?

by tnick771

Y’arr. How did we come to our modern interpretations of a pirate’s accent from approximately 300 years ago. The high-pitched, growly accent with a right Scottish-sounding brogue.

Is it something early Hollywood dreamt up, or do we know how the swashbucklers of yore actually spoke?

SepehrNS

Greetings. Not to discourage further responses, but do check out these older answers :

I have heard that "pirate speak" as we know it today was the result of a stage show. Is this true, and if it is, what kind of vernacular did pirates tend to use? by u/Benerson

Before Treasure Island (1950) cemented the association of West Country accents with pirates, was any other specific accent associated with pirates? E.g. do we know what, if any, accent Gilbert and Sullivan might have associated with pirates when they created The Pirates of Penzance (1879)? by u/EnclavedMicrostate

What were the speech patterns for 17th century sailors, pirates, and buccaneers? by u/Elphinstone1842

Hope this helps.