Barker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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barker

[ˈbɑːrkər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

job

A person who stands in front of a show, booth, etc., to attract attention, or who calls out goods for sale in the street.

Synonyms

announcer, caller, promoter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
barker	Typically used to describe someone who loudly promotes or draws attention to something in a public space, often at fairs or circuses. It has a somewhat informal or negative connotation, implying exaggerated or intrusive promotion. The barker at the carnival was shouting to attract visitors to the games booth. The street barker was relentless in selling fake watches to passersby.
promoter	Describes someone who actively encourages or advertises events, services, or products, usually in a more organized and official capacity. This term is often associated with business and entertainment industries. The concert promoter arranged for several advertisements to boost ticket sales. As a boxing promoter, he scheduled matches and managed PR campaigns.
caller	Usually pertains to someone who makes announcements or calls out information, often in informal or situational contexts, such as bingo games or horse racing. The bingo caller drew the next number from the ball machine. At the rodeo, the caller introduced each rider as they prepared to enter the arena.
announcer	Refers to someone who makes formal and scheduled announcements, typically in a professional context such as radio, television, or live events. The sports announcer delivered the play-by-play commentary during the football game. The airport announcer informed passengers of their gate changes.

Examples of usage

The barker outside the circus was trying to attract more customers.
The barker at the fair was announcing the start of the show.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

animal

A dog that barks loudly or constantly.

Synonyms

barking dog, yapper.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
barker	Used to refer to a dog that barks a lot, but this usage is less common. Their new puppy is quite the barker, always making noise at the slightest sound. The dog next door is a loud barker and keeps waking me up at night.
barking dog	A straightforward term used to describe a dog that is barking. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. The barking dog outside kept everyone awake all night. He complained about the neighbor's barking dog interrupting his concentration.
yapper	Used informally and often critically to describe a small dog that barks a lot, or someone who talks too much and annoyingly. The little yapper next door barks at anything that moves. He's such a yapper, he never stops talking even when everyone is clearly uninterested.

Word

Description / Examples

barker

Used to refer to a dog that barks a lot, but this usage is less common.

Their new puppy is quite the barker, always making noise at the slightest sound.
The dog next door is a loud barker and keeps waking me up at night.

barking dog

A straightforward term used to describe a dog that is barking. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

The barking dog outside kept everyone awake all night.
He complained about the neighbor's barking dog interrupting his concentration.

yapper

Used informally and often critically to describe a small dog that barks a lot, or someone who talks too much and annoyingly.

The little yapper next door barks at anything that moves.
He's such a yapper, he never stops talking even when everyone is clearly uninterested.

Examples of usage

The neighbor's barker kept me up all night with its constant barking.
The barker on the street was scaring away the pigeons.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

slang

A person who talks a lot or loudly.

Synonyms

blabbermouth, chatterbox.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
barker	This appears to be a duplicate and likely an error. It is essentially the same as 'barker'. Please refer to the context and examples provided for 'barker'.
chatterbox	Used to describe someone who talks a lot, usually in a more light-hearted or affectionate manner. Sarah is such a chatterbox; she can talk for hours about her day.
blabbermouth	Refers to someone who cannot keep a secret and talks too much. This term often has a negative connotation. Don't tell John the surprise plans; he's a real blabbermouth.

Word

Description / Examples

barker

This appears to be a duplicate and likely an error. It is essentially the same as 'barker'.

Please refer to the context and examples provided for 'barker'.

chatterbox

Used to describe someone who talks a lot, usually in a more light-hearted or affectionate manner.

Sarah is such a chatterbox; she can talk for hours about her day.

blabbermouth

Refers to someone who cannot keep a secret and talks too much. This term often has a negative connotation.

Don't tell John the surprise plans; he's a real blabbermouth.

Examples of usage

He's such a barker, he never stops talking!
She's the barker of the group, always making jokes.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'barker' is believed to have originated in the 18th century, referring specifically to those who shouted about performances at public events.
Originally, barkers promoted shows and attractions, acting as a bridge between performers and the audience, making them essential in entertainment history.
In the past, it was common for barkers to use exaggerated tales and colorful language, becoming a part of the entertainment themselves.

Culture & Entertainment

During the early 20th century, barkers became a staple at carnivals and sideshows, making their presence vital for attracting crowds.
The role of a barker has evolved into modern-day street performers who still engage audiences through enthusiastic promotion.
Famous characters, like in circus and vaudeville acts, often had barkers to help set the stage and build excitement for upcoming performances.

Psychology

Barkers use persuasive language and emotional appeals to engage potential audience members, leveraging the psychology of excitement and curiosity.
Studies in marketing show that enthusiastic and energetic messages can significantly increase foot traffic and audience attendance.
The act of shouting can also create a sense of urgency, encouraging people to take immediate action, like buying tickets or joining crowds.

Pop Culture

In movies and television shows, barkers are often depicted as colorful characters that enhance the lively atmosphere of events.
There are famous fictional barkers in films where they play pivotal roles in guiding the storyline, such as in carnival-themed movies.
The character of the barker has inspired many comedic portrayals, highlighting the quirky and larger-than-life personalities they often possess.

Literature

Barkers are often used in literature to symbolize the call of adventure, signifying opportunity and excitement awaiting the characters.
In classic novels, such as those depicting fairs or markets, barkers represent a cultural blend of commerce and performance.
Symbolically, barkers often reflect the contrast between the simple life and the allure of spectacle, drawing characters into complications and adventures.

Origin of 'barker'

The word 'barker' has its origins in the Middle English term 'berker' which meant a person who stripped bark from trees. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to someone who attracts attention or makes loud noises. In the context of a dog, 'barker' simply refers to the characteristic sound they make. The slang usage of 'barker' to describe a person who talks a lot or loudly likely stems from the idea of incessant noise. Today, 'barker' is commonly used in various contexts to describe individuals or animals that make loud or persistent noises.