Pirate ship flags were an essential part of piracy in the past. Today, people still use them as a representation of the pirate's life. However, there are many synonyms for the term pirate ship flags. They are also known as Jolly Rogers, black flags, or Buccaneer flags. The flags usually featured designs that strike fear into their foes. Some of the most popular flags were skulls and crossbones, swords, and skeletons. The infamous pirate Blackbeard even had a flag with a devil holding a spear. In the end, these flags were a symbol of piracy and a warning to all other ships to prepare for the worst.