Behavior: 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.