While commonly known and often referring to themselves as pirates, these seafaring individuals from the "Golden Age" (approximately 1660–1725) were also identified by various other titles and designations. The term "pirate" itself was sometimes spelled as "pyrate."
The Primary Designation: "Pirate"
During the era of widespread piracy, the most common term used to describe these outlaws of the high seas was "pirate." This term was widely recognized and used, suggesting that the individuals involved would also have identified with or accepted this designation for themselves and their activities.
Other Titles and Monikers
Beyond the general term "pirate," these seafarers were also known by a range of other names, each potentially carrying a slightly different nuance or referring to a specific type of illicit maritime activity. These alternative titles further illustrate the diverse ways in which these figures were perceived and classified in their time.
Here are some of the other names pirates were called:
- Buccaneer: Originally referring to hunters on Hispaniola who smoked meat (boucan), this term later applied to privateers and pirates operating in the Caribbean.
- Corsair: Often associated with privateers, particularly those from the Mediterranean (Barbary corsairs) or those commissioned by the French crown.
- Freebooter: A term derived from Dutch, meaning one who plunders freely or without constraint.
- Picaroon: A rogue or adventurer, often implying a petty thief or brigand on land or sea.
- Gentleman of Fortune: A more euphemistic and sometimes self-assigned title, suggesting a person who sought their livelihood through adventure and risk on the seas, often with a hint of romanticism despite their unlawful acts.
To summarize the various names associated with them:
| Primary Self-Identification/Common Term | Other Known Titles |
|---|---|
| Pirate (sometimes "pyrate") | Buccaneer |
| Corsair | |
| Freebooter | |
| Picaroon | |
| Gentleman of Fortune |
These varying names highlight the complex and often fluid nature of identity and classification during the peak of maritime piracy.
