Carney (also spelled carny or carnie) is a slang term for a person who works at a traveling carnival, or the specialized language and subculture used by those workers.Core MeaningsA Carnival Worker: A noun used to describe someone employed to operate rides, games ("joints"), food booths, or sideshows at a traveling fair.The Carnival Itself: Used informally as short-hand for a carnival.To Coax or Flatter (British slang): Used as a verb meaning to persuade someone gently through flattery or cajoling.Deception or Trickery (Rare slang): Used to describe smooth, manipulative talk meant to fool someone.The Secret Language ("Carny")Historically, carney also refers to an old, coded argot (slang language). It originated in the 19th century among professional wrestlers and traveling showmen so they could communicate right in front of crowds or outsiders without being understood. It works similarly to Pig Latin by inserting specific phonetic sounds or syllables into everyday words.Most users on Reddit agree that calling someone a carny refers strictly to their job or association with the carnival subculture rather than a protected or ethnic group.
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