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intj

arr

ah
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Arr (intj) means an exclamation used to imitate the way pirates supposedly talk, often as a stand-in for "yes" or a growl of agreement. Example: “Arr, that be the captain's ship," the actor growled.”

intj
1
An exclamation used to imitate the way pirates supposedly talk, often as a stand-in for "yes" or a growl of agreement.
""Arr, that be the captain's ship," the actor growled."
"The kids ran around the party shouting "arr" in their pirate hats."

How to use arr

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe classic cartoonish "pirate yes" — more a bit of costume-party fun than a real, everyday word.

When to use it

Almost always used jokingly or in pirate-themed contexts, not in serious writing or speech.

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Word forms

Third person singular
arrs
Past tense
arred
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

"_____, that be the captain's ship," the actor growled.

Etymology

The word grew out of a West Country English dialect pronunciation of "yes," but it became famous worldwide as stereotypical "pirate speak" after actor Robert Newton used it heavily playing Long John Silver and Blackbeard in 1950s films.

· First attested 1950

Class of 1950 arr joined the language around 1950.
See the full Class of 1950 →

Rhymes for arr

See all rhymes for arr →

Frequently asked questions

What does “arr” mean?
The word “arr” means an exclamation used to imitate the way pirates supposedly talk, often as a stand-in for "yes" or a growl of agreement. In plain terms, the classic cartoonish "pirate yes" — more a bit of costume-party fun than a real, everyday word.
How do you pronounce “arr”?
“Arr” is pronounced ah (/ɑɹː/ in IPA).
How do you use “arr” in a sentence?
Here is “arr” used in a sentence: “"Arr, that be the captain's ship," the actor growled.”
What part of speech is “arr”?
“Arr” is an intj.
Where does the word “arr” come from?
The word “arr” dates back to around 1950.