Hidden Slang Carnies Use In Illinois When Talking About You

If you plan on hitting some fairs, festivals, and carnivals this summer in Illinois, there are some slang words you should know when you're hanging out around carnies.

Learn The Language Of The Carnies Working Carnivals In Illinois

I remember as a kid, going to quite a few carnivals. There were a lot during the summer where I grew up. My parents had no problem buying tickets so I could go on rides, but they never would give me money for the games. I never understood why until I was older and realized it was pretty much a scam. Many of the carnies were shady. They even had their own language for targeting suckers.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Slang Terms For Cannabis In Illinois

According to Ranker...

Carnival slang was created so carnies and roustabouts could talk about marks in the open without the chumps realizing it. Commit these state fair worker codes to memory to avoid getting skinned the next time you walk the midway.

 

group of people standing beside market

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Here are some carny terms you should know for the next time you hit a carnival...

• Fin - "$5 bill"

• Mark - "Gullible"

• Red Light - "Stiff someone of a paycheck or fire them"

• Oach - "Skimming money"

• Paste - "Cheap prizes"

• Reading The Midway - "Looking for cash dropped on the ground"

• Cherry Pie - "Doing odd jobs for extra money"

• Cutting Up Jackpots - "Tell tall tales"

• Broad Tosser - "Someone who deals Three Card Monte"

• Waxie - "Maintenance worker"

• Tip - "Crowd waiting for a show or ride"

• Picture Gallery - "Person with lots of tattoos"

• Ballyhoo - "Talking up interest"

• Blankaroo - "Open but not making money"

• Pitch - "Demonstrating game"

• Brodie - "Crazy fall"

• Cool Out - "Convince a mark they weren't scammed"

• Larry  - "Broken"