Definition

Noun: A pirate flag is a specific type of flag, traditionally featuring a white skull and crossbones on a black field, which is displayed to identify a vessel as a pirate ship.

Usage

The term pirate flag is used to refer to the distinctive banner historically flown by pirate ships. Its primary purpose was to signal the ship's hostile, piratical intent, often to intimidate potential victims into surrendering without a fight. * The merchant ship surrendered immediately upon sighting the pirate flag. * In the museum, they have an authentic 18th-century pirate flag on display.

Advanced Usage

• "To run up the pirate flag": This phrase can be used metaphorically to indicate a bold, rebellious, or defiant declaration of intent, often in a business or competitive context.
  • By undercutting all competitors' prices, the new company effectively ran up the pirate flag in the industry.

Variants and Related Words

• Jolly Roger: This is the traditional and most common name for a pirate flag. While the skull and crossbones is the most iconic design, "Jolly Roger" historically encompassed various pirate banners featuring symbols like skeletons, swords, or hourglasses.
• Black flag: A more general term for a plain black flag, which was also used by pirates. A pirate flag is a specific type of black flag.
• Skull and crossbones: This refers specifically to the symbol itself, which is the central motif on the most famous type of pirate flag.

Synonyms

• Jolly Roger (n): The traditional name for a pirate flag.
• Black Jack (n, historical): A less common historical term for a pirate flag.

Related Idioms

• "To show one's true colors": While not exclusive to pirates, this idiom, meaning to reveal one's true nature or intentions, has a nautical origin related to ships raising their actual flags (pirate flags included) before an attack.
  • He seemed friendly at first, but he showed his true colors when he stole the idea.

Noun

1. a flag usually bearing a white skull and crossbones on a black background; indicates a pirate ship