What does the phrase "shiver me timbers" mean?

Answer by  Tails (130)

In literary, it is employed as a mean to express shock, surprise or annoyance by the character. It is a reference to the timbers, a part of a ship, that could shiver while the ship is in heavy seas. This would startle the sailors, because it would mean the ship may be damaged.

Answer by  ellie61 (478)

"Shiver me timbers" is an expression of shock or surprise, most commonly known due to its use by Long John Silver in Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island. It originates from "Shiver my timbers"