Pirates vs. Ninjas is a comedic Internet[1] and gaming[2][3] meme regarding a theoretical conflict between pirates and ninjas, generally including arbitrary "debate" over which side would win in a fight. The meme is sometimes referred to as PvN and has a long history on the Internet.[4] Humorist Jake Kalish writes (in the pro-ninja column) that the reason for the popularity of the meme is that "pirates and ninjas are both cool, but kind of opposite, see, because one is loud and the other ... never mind."[5] Several competitive web sites and games based upon the ninjas vs. pirates theme appeared later, including Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball [6]. The meme has also inspired literature, including eBooks. [7]
Ninja supporters hold the position that a ninja would win over a pirate because of his superior mental and physical capabilities. Those who support pirates argue that a pirate's use of both sword and gun would ensure his victory in battle [8]. A real-life confrontation has never been recorded in history, and there is no evidence to suggest that pirates and ninjas existed during the same time period. The debate has accumulated a wide following in cyberculture nonetheless. A wide array of YouTube videos, websites, and online debate forums can be linked to the pirate vs. ninja conflict.