bnix
Joined: 16 Jan 2003
Posts: 645
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 Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2003 3:34 am Post subject: "Geeks"B.C.(Before Computer) |
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Before the advent of computers,the term"geek" was used to denote one of the "attractions" in the sideshow of traveling carnivals("carneys").This person,often alcoholic, had reached an advanced degree of degradation,was often kept in a cage,and bit off the heads of live chickens for the amusement of the paying "audience".The movie "Nightmare Alley"("starring" someone obscure..John Agar.Richard Egan,someone like that...) came out either in the forties or fifties..and chronicled the fall of one character into such a plight.Thus,a pre-P.C. use of "geeK'
If anyone wants to draw any parallels between sideshows and certain current TESOL venues....well,feel free,y'all. |
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