Thursday, March 9, 2017

The Fantasy Ferris Wheel: 50 Carnival Terms to use in Writing








Greetings, Wizard Writers!

I have to admit I will pick up any book with the topic of carnivals, fairs, or even the circus. I'm drawn to these topics in books, but in writing, it's also fun to use carnival terms when I can. We might use these terms when writing about a carnival of course, but it's also interesting to use the terms in similes or metaphors. When I need a peppy word or a word that brings forth an image of bright lights, movement, or even creepiness, I go to this list of carnival terms for inspiration. It's also fun to take one word and build a plot around it, like a haunted fun house story or a story about the owner of a gourmet candy apple stand. I hope you have fun with the list as well!


  1. Carousel
  2. Ferris Wheel
  3. Roller Coaster
  4. Tilt-o-whirl
  5. Train
  6. Moonbounce
  7. Cotton Candy
  8. Candy Apple
  9. Popcorn/Kettlecorn
  10. Fun House
  11. House of Mirrors
  12. Snowcone
  13. Circus Freaks
  14. Bumper Cars
  15. Fried Dough
  16. Slide
  17. Flume
  18. Ring of Fire
  19. Balloons
  20. Carnival Games (darts, ring toss, etc.)
  21. Fortune Teller
  22. Petting Zoo
  23. Pretzels
  24. Caramel Corn
  25. Circus Tents
  26. Sky Ride
  27. Swings
  28. Clowns
  29. Round-up
  30. Peanuts
  31. Tickets
  32. Ticket-Taker
  33. Ribbons
  34. Funnel Cakes
  35. Kissing Booth
  36. Pies (pie-eating contest)
  37. Pony Rides
  38. Tunnel of Love
  39. Slushies
  40. Hot Air Balloon
  41. Zipper (ride)
  42. Taffy
  43. Corn Dogs
  44. Onion Rings
  45. Sweet Tea
  46. Gypsy Wagon
  47. Merry-go-Round Music (calliope)
  48. Scrambler (ride)
  49. Circus Candy
  50. Flying Trapeze
Bonus
Here is a link to more carnival words:

What other carnival or circus terms can you come up with? Do you like books with carnival, fair, or circus themes? Let me know in the comments!

Check back next week for a special blog post: The Magician: Using Tarot Cards for Writing Inspiration

No comments:

Post a Comment

Featured Post

Pick a Color! A Spectral Breakdown of Character Traits