Information AboutCarny |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT CARNY | |
| carnival | |
| itinerant living | |
| nomads | |
| slang | |
| SHOPPER'S DELIGHT | |
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Carny is the singular Slang for a Carnival worker, as well as the Language they employ.''' Carnies''' is the plural. The term is also used in reference to Pro-wrestling Jargon . A Carny is anyone who runs a "joint" (booth), food "grab joint" stand, game, or ride at a carnival. Carnies are typified as sly and coercive Salespeople , but the term itself merely refers to any employee of a travelling Circus or Carnival , regardless of behavior or intention. ETYMOLOGY The word ''carny'' is thought to have become popularized around 1931 in North America, when it was first colloquially used to describe "one who works at a carnival." The word carnival, originally meaning a "time of merrymaking before Lent ," came into use circa 1549 , and is derived from the Italian ''carnevale'' for "Shrove Tuesday". The older Milanese Italian forms include carnevale and the Old Pisan carnelevare which interpreted means "to remove meat," is literally translated "raising flesh," from the Latin caro, meaning "flesh" and levare, meaning to "lighten, raise". Folk etymology from the Middle Latin is carne vale, interpreted as "flesh farewell." CARNIVAL JARGON Bally - A free performance intended to attract both tips and visitors to the nearby sideshow. Call - The act of yelling out slogans and interacting with passers-by to attract business. -iz- - inserted between the syllables of words to serve as a Cipher or Cryptolect . Mark - A target for swindling, especially one whose gullibility has been demonstrated. Derived from the covert use of chalk to mark the backs of especially ripe targets. Many carnies "qualify" outsiders by using the jargon. EXTERNAL REFERENCES 1980 FILM '' Carny '' is also a 1980 dramatic motion picture directed by Robert Kaylor and starring Gary Busey , Jodie Foster , Robbie Robertson , and Meg Foster . The film has become a cult favorite. ''SIMPSONS'' REFERENCES In '' The Simpsons '', Homer Simpson was quoted as saying, "Despite their rat-like appearance, carnies are kings among men." |