A Primer of American Carnival Talk

CARNIES (or carnival workers) like to keep their distance from marks (customers, suckers and other non-carnies). One way of remaining aloof is to use an argot that is baffling to outsiders. A sampling of carnie terms:

CHILLING THE MARK. Getting rid of a customer who seems likely to take the heat and beef--become angry and complain that he has been cheated.

COOLING THE MARK OUT. Mollifying a mark who has lost heavily in a rigged game by throwing him a cop--letting him win a consolation prize.

CUTTING UP JACKPOTS. Chatting or talking informally.

DONNICKER. Toilet. Also, an undesirable location for a concession.

FIRST-OF-MAY. An outsider who works in the carnival world for a short time.

Most regulars are born into carnival life.

FLAT STORE. A gambling concession or con game. Example: the skilo, a rigged game in which the mark spins an arrow hoping it will stop at a winning color.

40-MILER. A small carnival that seldom travels more than 40 miles from its home base--in contrast to big carnivals that may range the country.

GAFFED. Describes a game that is rigged against the mark.

GRAB JOINT. Concession serving hot dogs and hamburgers.

HANKY PANK. Legitimate game of skill or chance. Example: dart throwing.

MITT CAMP. A concession where fortunes are told.

PATCH. A "legal adjuster" on the carnival staff who settles disputes between carnies and marks and often bribes local sheriffs or other officials when they allege fraud--thus patching things up so that the carnival can operate.

PRIVILEGE. Rent paid by each concessionaire to a carnival owner in exchange for space on his midway.

PUNK RIDES. Miniature-train rides, boats and other amusements intended mostly for small children.

SLUM. Cheap merchandise given as prizes in hanky panks. Example: a piece of plush, or stuffed animal.

SUNDAY-SCHOOL SHOW. A clean carnival: no gaffed concessions, no girlie shows.

TEN-IN-ONE. Freak show.

This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so reader's discretion is required.