The slang of pro wrestling: Tracing its roots and knowing the lingo.
Professional wrestling has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where wrestlers were part of traveling shows that were common in the circus, carnival, and vaudeville culture. One of the unique aspects of professional wrestling is its distinctive language, which reflects the rough-and-tumble world of performers and hucksters. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most common pro wrestling slang terms that have their origins in the world of circus, carnival, and vaudeville. However, in addition to the slang referenced in the video, we also believe that it's important for pro wrestling workers and promoters to understand some key insurance terms. That's why we've included those as well, to help ensure that those in the industry have the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their events as the sport continues to grow.
Mark:
In wrestling, a "mark" is someone who is easily fooled or manipulated. This term comes from the carnival world, where a "mark" was someone who could be conned or tricked into playing a rigged game or buying a fake product.
Carny:
Short for "carnival," this term is used to describe the language, traditions, and practices of carnival and circus performers. In wrestling, a "carny worker" is someone who has experience in the carnival or circus world and uses that knowledge to their advantage.
Shill:
A "shill" is someone who is paid to act as a fan or supporter of a particular wrestler or promotion. Their job is to create excitement and make it seem like the wrestler is more popular than they actually are. This term comes from the carnival world, where "shills" were people who were hired to pretend to be customers and draw in a larger crowd.
Apron:
The area of the ring that extends beyond the ropes on all four sides. It is often a focal point of the action during matches, as wrestlers may use it to gain an advantage over their opponent. This term comes from the world of circuses, where the "apron" referred to a platform or extension built onto the side of a tent.
Dark match:
A match that is not televised or otherwise made available to the general public. These matches are often used to test out new wrestlers or to give established wrestlers a chance to practice their moves and timing before a televised event. This term comes from the fact that these matches are often held in a dimly lit arena, with no fanfare or audience interaction.
Mud show:
In wrestling, a "mud show" refers to a low-quality or poorly organized event. These events may be held in small, run-down venues or may feature inexperienced wrestlers or gimmicks that are seen as cheesy or outdated. The term "mud show" comes from the carnival and circus world, where it was used to describe a sideshow attraction featuring mud wrestling.
Papering the house:
It refers to the practice of giving away free tickets or heavily discounting tickets in order to fill the arena and create the illusion of a large and enthusiastic crowd. This term comes from the world of theater, where theaters would use paper tickets to indicate that a seat had been given away for free.
Understanding the pro wrestling slang from its roots in circus, carnival, and vaudeville can add a new dimension to the way fans appreciate and enjoy this unique sport. From "shills" and "aprons" to "mud shows" and "papering the house," the language of pro wrestling reflects the culture and history of the sport and can help fans better understand the behind-the-scenes world of professional wrestling. That said, as the sport continues to grow it will be important for you to also know some insurance slang for Pro Wrestling:
Insurance Slang For Pro Wrestling:
Liability for spectator-only insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides coverage for injuries or damages sustained by spectators at a wrestling event, rather than providing coverage for injuries to the wrestlers themselves. This type of insurance is important for wrestling promoters because it can help protect them from potential legal and financial liabilities in the event of spectator injuries or property damage. By purchasing liability for spectator-only insurance, wrestling promoters can have the opportunity to host events while minimizing their risk and providing a safe experience for their attendees.
Additional insured:
An "additional insured" refers to a person or entity, other than the named policyholder, who is also covered under the insurance policy in case of a claim or lawsuit. In the context of a wrestling event with a spectator-only liability insurance plan, an example of an additional insured could be the owner of the venue where the event is being held. By adding the venue owner as an additional insured on the policy, the wrestling promoter is extending coverage to the venue owner in case of any liability claims related to the event. This can be important for the promoter, as it can help protect against potential legal and financial liabilities that could arise from spectator injuries or property damage.
Waiver of subrogation:
A "waiver of subrogation" is a clause in an insurance policy that prevents the insurance company from pursuing legal action against a third party who may be responsible for a claim covered under the policy. In the context of a spectator-only liability insurance plan for a wrestling event, a waiver of subrogation clause would prevent the insurance company from suing the venue owner or other third parties for damages or injuries that were covered under the policy. For example, if a spectator was injured due to a defect in the venue's seating area, the insurance company could pay out a claim to the injured party, but would not be able to sue the venue owner to recover the cost of the claim, as the waiver of subrogation would prevent such legal action. The waiver of subrogation is often included in insurance policies to protect the insured party from being held responsible for damages or injuries that were covered under the policy.
Pro wrestling individual athlete insurance:
Individual athlete insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides coverage to professional wrestlers for injuries that may occur during matches or other events. This insurance can cover medical expenses, disability payments, and other costs associated with injuries sustained while performing.The coverage may also include accidental death benefits and can be customized to fit the specific needs of each individual wrestler. This type of insurance is important for both wrestlers and promoters to protect themselves from financial liability in the event of an injury, and to ensure that wrestlers have access to necessary medical treatment without facing financial hardship.
So there you have it – a glimpse into the fascinating world of pro wrestling slang terms with their roots in the circus, carnival, and vaudeville culture. As you continue to enjoy watching your favorite wrestlers, listening to these unique and often entertaining phrases can add a deeper level of appreciation for their athleticism and showmanship.
However, if you are someone looking to enter the pro wrestling business, it's important to understand more than just the slang terms. It's important to also have knowledge of how insurance works, including participant accident medical insurance, and to understand the licensing and bond requirements that may be necessary for those entering the professional wrestling industry. By taking the time to learn about these important aspects of the industry, you can ensure that you are fully prepared and protected as you pursue your passion for pro wrestling.
FAQs-
Why is it important to know pro wrestling slang?
Understanding the language of pro wrestling can add to the overall enjoyment and appreciation of the sport. It provides insight into the culture and history of professional wrestling and helps fans better understand the behind-the-scenes world of wrestling.
Where did pro wrestling slang come from?
Pro wrestling slang has its roots in the circus, carnival, and vaudeville worlds, where many of the earliest wrestlers and performers honed their craft. As wrestling evolved into a standalone sport, the language and terminology also evolved, reflecting the unique challenges and opportunities of the wrestling world.
How can I learn more about pro wrestling slang?
There are many resources available to help you learn more about pro wrestling slang, including books, online articles, and interviews with wrestlers and other insiders. Additionally, simply watching wrestling matches and paying attention to the commentary and other chatter can help you pick up new terms and phrases over time.
How can I learn more about pro wrestling insurance for wrestlers?
