Carny (or carney)

[Luna Azul]

I ran into the word "carny" which I had never heard before. I've been doing research and it's given me several meanings and uses.

What's the real meaning of this word?, is it used in all the English speaking countries, and if so, with the same meaning?

I believe it comes from "carnival"

Thanks.!!

L.A.

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by Luna Azul

What's the real meaning of this word?,

I've never heard of it. Gizza context. (I mean give us a context)

[Luna Azul]

Originally Posted by Perikles

I've never heard of it. Gizza context. (I mean give us a context)

I don't have one . My only context is it has to do with a carnival.

Well, it seems it's a carnival employee.. I wanted to know where it's used and how. I found it peculiar.

[wrholt]

It's carnival slang, and it means "ä person who works for carnivals". It usually refers to the company of workers of a traveling carnival, and it can refer to acts (the bearded lady, the fortune teller) as well as the support staff (ticket sellers and ticket takers, food and drink salespeople, carnival ride operators, mechanics and setup crew, etc).

[Luna Azul]

Ok, Thank you both

[aleCcowaN]

I learnt that word watching HBO's series "Carnivàle" and it's exactly what wrholt said.

I got these in my phrasepad from season 1 episode 8

-Carnies don't steal from carnies.

-We got a lot of carnies defectorating [sic] lately

[Perikles]

I think the BrE equivalent of the Carnaval must be the Fairground. In Europe, Carnaval is specifically the celebration culminating in Mardi Gras, which is not an organized body of people working full-time.

[aleCcowaN]

Originally Posted by Perikles

I think the BrE equivalent of the Carnaval must be the Fairground. In Europe, Carnaval is specifically the celebration culminating in Mardi Gras, which is not an organized body of people working full-time.

Carnaval? Did you mean Carnival?

[Luna Azul]

Originally Posted by Perikles

I think the BrE equivalent of the Carnaval must be the Fairground. In Europe, Carnaval is specifically the celebration culminating in Mardi Gras, which is not an organized body of people working full-time.

Well, it's "carnival" , but you're right. You call that "fairground" in GB.

I've read it's used in Australia and it's also the language those people talk.

Looking at that word I found another one.. "cant". I had never heard it either, and it's "...the jargon, argot or cryptolect of a group, often implying its use to exclude or mislead people outside the group." (wikipedia). Of course "cant" means other things also.

So, the way I understand it, "carnies" have their own "cant".

Two more words to add to my vocabulary even if they're not commonly used.

[poli]

Confirmed carnival in U.S.A. is not like carnival in Venice or Rio. It's a traveling entertainment show which includes rides, fast food and entertainment. Carnies or roustabouts are the two terms I am familiar with for carnival workers. Roustabouts are more often the strong guys who set up the tent, if there is a tent, and perhaps manage the rides. I don't believe the performers (sword swallers, belly dancers, human blockheads. etc) are considered rousabouts.