A-D
E F
G
H I
J
K-Q R-Z
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E IS FOR...
elephants
–Asian elephants have been starring in the Ringling Bros. and Barnum &
Bailey® Circus for over 100 years
endangered
–species of animals that are in danger of becoming extinct, like tigers and
elephants; Ringling Bros. takes an active role in protecting endangered animals
equestrian
–a horseback rider
exotic species–unusual and rare animals
F IS FOR...
feet jump
–jumping on the back of a horse and riding it with your feet together
finish trick
–the last trick of a specific act
First of May
–a performer in his or her first season in a circus show
flat car
–railroad car without walls that carries wagons and other vehicles
flip-flaps
–the trick of flipping from a standing position to the hands while bareback
riding on a running horse
float
–a large, decorated vehicle used as a ride or a stage in the circus pageantry
numbers
flyer
–aerialists, especially those in flying return acts
flying trapeze artists
–aerial acrobats who perform on a trapeze
funambulist–rope walker/taken from Latin roots: funis meaning “rope” and
ambulare, “to walk”
G IS FOR...
gag
–a clown skit
gilly wagon
–extra small wagon or cart used to carry light pieces of equipment around the
lot
grease
–paint makeup used by clowns
guy wires–heavy, strong ropes or cables that help to support poles and
rigging that support the flying trapeze, etc.
H IS FOR...
hair suspension act
–an act in which ladies hang by their hair and perform tricks high above the
arena
heralds
–advertisements for the circus
high school horse
–a horse that has been taught fancy steps in special riding academies
high wire
–a tight wire raised very high above the ground
hippodrome
–track area around rings
hoofstock
–animals with hoofs, such as horses, ponies, and zebras
horse
–animal used in many circus acts
howdah–a seat or platform on the back of an elephant or camel used for
riders
I IS FOR...
introduction
–how the Ringling Bros. Ringmaster always introduces the show - "Ladies and
Gentlemen, Children of All Ages..."
iron-jaw act–an aerial stunt performance using a leather and metal
apparatus which fits into the performer's mouth
J IS FOR...
jackpots
–tall tales about the circus
jargon–expressions that we often hear which originated in the circus, for
example:
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HOLD YOUR HORSES: Today this means to be patient. In earlier days, before cars,
spectators came on horses to watch the circus parade. Sometimes the horses
would be startled by the appearance of elephants, so a person would walk in the
parade ahead of the elephants and say, "Hold your horses, here come the
elephants."
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GET THE SHOW ON THE ROAD: Today this means that it is time to begin. The circus
meaning is the same.
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GRANDSTANDING: Today this means that someone is being boastful. In the circus
it means that someone is trying to get the attention of the audience.
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JUMBO: Today this means "huge." In 1882, Jumbo was the name of the largest
elephant ever seen in the Barnum and London Circus.
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RAIN OR SHINE: Today this means exactly what it meant during the early circus
days - that the event will be held even if it rains.
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TOSSES HIS HAT INTO THE RING: Today this means that a person has decided to run
for an elected office. This expression started after President Woodrow Wilson
tossed his hat into the circus ring when he attended the circus.
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WHITE ELEPHANT: Today this refers to an object that is expensive and has no
practical use. In 1884, a white elephant was pictured on many of the circus
advertisements.
Joey
–another term meaning "clown"; in honor of the famous English clown Joseph
Grimaldi
jugglers
–performers who toss three or more objects into the air, which requires skill
of hand and eye
jump–the distance between performances in different towns