# shiver my timbers

> English word · Interjection · IPA /ˈʃɪvə maɪ ˈtɪmbəs/

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

## 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.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-09-03.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/shiver-my-timbers