What is shiver me timbers?

"Shiver me timbers" is a phrase commonly associated with pirates in popular culture, particularly in literature, film, and other media. The expression is used as an exclamation to convey surprise, shock, or disbelief. It is often employed in a humorous or lighthearted way, reflecting the exaggerated and often romanticized portrayal of pirate life.

The origins of the phrase are nautical, with "shiver" meaning to break into pieces and "timbers" referring to the wooden supports of a ship. Thus, "shiver me timbers" could literally mean the ship is shaking or breaking due to rough seas or a storm. However, in practice, it is more of an imaginative expression rather than one rooted in actual historical pirate vernacular.

The phrase gained popularity through works of fiction, such as Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island," and has since become a staple in the depiction of pirates in media, influencing everything from theme park rides to animated TV shows.