shiver my timbers

English dictionary entry

Meanings

intj
  1. A mild oath expressing surprise, disbelief or annoyance, stereotypically regarded as being uttered by pirates.

Pronunciation

/ˈʃɪvə maɪ ˈtɪmbəs/ /ˈʃɪvɚ maɪ ˈtɪmbɚs/ en-au-shiver my timbers.ogg

Word forms

shiver my timbers shiver me timbers

Etymology

A reference to a wooden ship being pounded heavily in stormy seas to the extent that its timbers shake, causing awe and fear to the sailors on board.

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