Bandwagon

A wagon for carrying members of the band during a town Parade

c1870s-1920s

Barnstorming

Entertainments given by small itinerant companies

c1890s-1920s

Bulls

Elephants

c1920s+

Bullephants

Male elephants

c1920s+

Cull

Friend, mate [Frost refers to the term 'cully' as being the 19th century English circus man's term of 'mate' (page 309), however the term appears to have had a shortlived currency in Australian circus around the year 1910 through its introduction by visiting American circus men.]

c1910-15

Dodgers

Small handbills

c1870s+

Dollar boards

Wide boards, many years ago, was the best seating when a dollar was equal to five shillings. That was the top price. Normal seating was narrow boards. Wider boards were used to hold chairs

1870s+

Gilly loads

Successive loads taken on a train. In American circus parlance, a 'gilly' was a light wagon hired for odd jobs around the circus lot.

1920s+

Jacks

'A' shaped props upon which stringers [qv] are placed to hold seating boards

c1870s+

Jane

Uncomplimentary term for a female

1910-30s

Jump

Distance travelled between two towns

1920s+

Leg show

Show that relies heavily on female talent

1920s+

Lot

The circus ground

c1900s+

Lot lice

Locals who get in the way as the show is being got ready

c1920s

Mechanic

Safety device used in training acrobats and riders

1870s+

My nibs

When speaking personally, showmen refer to themselves as 'my nibs'

1900s+

Opposition

Opposition circus or other show

c1900s+

Pad room

'Room' where the circus ring horses are dressed

c1916+

Resinback

Circus horse used in the ring for performing; named for the resin that is rubbed into its back to help prevent its rider from slipping.

1870s+

Rip and tear

Business trickery, short changing, crooked gambling & c

c1910s

Sidewalls

Canvas wall enclosing perimeter of tent

1920s+

Stringers

Used to hold seating boards in place on jacks [qv]

1870s+

Teeterboard

Acrobat's see-saw (from Mexican 'teta-tora')

1910s +

Turnaway

People turned away due to sold-out performance

1900s+

24 hour man

Man on call at any time; he inspects the lot and checks arrangements made by the advance agent the day before the circus is due to arrive in town.

1920s +