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Carney: meaning, definitions and examples

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carney

 

[ ˈkɑrni ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

carnival worker

A carney is a person who works at a carnival or fair, often involved in operating rides, games, or concessions. This term is usually associated with the traveling carnival industry, where workers may move from place to place. Carneys may also perform as entertainers, engaging with the crowd and promoting carnival games. The term has a somewhat playful or informal connotation, but can also imply a sense of risk and a unique lifestyle tied to the carnival culture.

Synonyms

carnival worker, entertainer, showman

Examples of usage

  • The carney called out to attract more visitors.
  • She used to be a carney before settling down.
  • Many carney workers travel across the country during the fair season.

Translations

Translations of the word "carney" in other languages:

🇵🇹 artista de circo

🇮🇳 सर्कस कलाकार

🇩🇪 Zirkusartist

🇮🇩 artis sirkus

🇺🇦 цирковий артист

🇵🇱 artysta cyrkowy

🇯🇵 サーカスの芸人

🇫🇷 artiste de cirque

🇪🇸 artista de circo

🇹🇷 sirk sanatçısı

🇰🇷 서커스 아티스트

🇸🇦 فنان سيرك

🇨🇿 cirkusový umělec

🇸🇰 cirkusový umelec

🇨🇳 马戏团表演者

🇸🇮 cirkusant

🇮🇸 sirkuslisti

🇰🇿 цирк әртісі

🇬🇪 ცირკის არტისტი

🇦🇿 sirk artisti

🇲🇽 artista de circo

Etymology

The term 'carney' is derived from the word 'carnival,' which has its roots in the Latin 'carnevalis' meaning 'farewell to meat,' referring to the festivities that precede Lent. The word began to be used in the United States in the late 19th century as traveling carnivals became popular attractions. Initially, the spelling was 'carny' or 'carnival worker,' but the abbreviation 'carney' became prevalent among carnival workers themselves. Over the years, the lifestyle of carneys has been depicted in various forms of media, often romanticizing their nomadic way of life. The word reflects an adventurous spirit and a community bound by the traditions of carnival culture.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,775, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.