Phrase guide

shiver my timbers

intj · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • Received-Pronunciation: /ˈʃɪvə maɪ ˈtɪmbəs/
  • General-American: /ˈʃɪvɚ maɪ ˈtɪmbɚs/
  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

intj

Meaning 1

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

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: shiver my sides, shiver my soul

Antonyms: none provided

History

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.

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Czech: u sta hromů — mild oath stereotypically regarded as being uttered by pirates
  • Danish: splitte mine bramsejl — mild oath stereotypically regarded as being uttered by pirates
  • French: mille sabords — mild oath stereotypically regarded as being uttered by pirates
  • Italian: per mille balene — mild oath stereotypically regarded as being uttered by pirates
  • Portuguese: macacos me mordam — mild oath stereotypically regarded as being uttered by pirates
  • Russian: разрази меня гром (razrazi menja grom) — mild oath stereotypically regarded as being uttered by pirates