There exists two hybrid groups that are probably more deadly than either non-hybrid group they are based on. Pirate Ninjas and Ninja Pirates. One is a group of ninjas who are like pirates in that they have no morals, they drink and swear, and they might have eyepatches and/or peglegs. The other is a group of pirates who are like ninjas in that they are very stealthy and cunning, wear lots of black, and are generally similar to Wesley in The Princess Bride. (He is very clearly a pirate, even though he dresses in black and is stealthy.) So the question is, which is which?
This is a very controversial issue, and I expect there to be some disagreement on it, but here's how I see it. In either phrase, the second word is a noun and the first word is an adjective. When I say "ninja pirate", I am referring to a pirate who shares characteristics with ninjas, like Wesley. "Ninja" is the type of pirate he is.
"What kind of pirate is he?" "Oh, he's a ninja pirate."
Thus, "pirate ninja" would be a ninja who has gone all piratical. He loses his morals and starts to drink, swear, conduct raids, etc.
"Oh, he's a ninja?" "Yes, and the most dangerous kind, too. A pirate ninja."
There is a comic called "Brick House" that features an ongoing story line that invovles both pirate ninjas and ninja pirates. But I think the comician is using the terms in the opposite way that I would. "Ninja pirates have all the stealth and power of the ninja, but with none of the ethical holdbacks or concerns about honor. In those areas they are as bloodthirsty as any pirate." (http://www.reasonablyclever.com/bh/83.html) So he is considering a ninja who takes on piratical ways to be a ninja pirate, whereas I would consider that ninja to be a pirate ninja.
What do you think? Which one is which? Please comment with your opinion, and please include your reasoning! Once we settle on terminology, we can begin debating which one would win in a fight, but that's a topic for a separate post.
