Carny: meaning, definitions and examples

The term is often used informally or colloquially to refer to someone who works at a carnival. It carries a slightly edgy or gritty connotation and is sometimes used in a derogatory manner.

• He spent his summers working as a carny, traveling from town to town.
• The carny showed us how to win the ring toss game.

This term is also neutral but slightly less formal than 'carnival employee'. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and written descriptions.

• The carnival workers are setting up the rides for the summer fair.
• Each carnival worker has a specific role to ensure the event runs smoothly.

This is a more neutral and formal term to describe someone who works at a carnival. It is suitable for professional or official contexts.

• The carnival employee helped us find the entrance to the haunted house.
• As a carnival employee, she is responsible for operating the Ferris wheel.

Repetition; see the first entry for 'carny'.

• After years of experience, he knew all the tricks of being a carny.
• She spoke in the familiar carny lingo that only insiders understood.

Descriptive and neutral, often used to describe individuals in the context of their performance roles at a carnival.

• Each carnival performer has a unique talent that attracts crowds.
• The carnival performers put on a breathtaking show last night.

General and formal term, suitable for official descriptions or contexts where a respectful, neutral term is needed.

• The carnival entertainer thrilled the audience with his juggling act.
• As a carnival entertainer, she performs multiple shows a day.