L.A. SPEAK
A selection of game-show lingo:
Bambi: n . a contestant who freezes on camera like a deer caught in headlights. “She was great backstage, but during the show she pulled a Bambi. “
Barney Fife: n . a contestant with a nervous “trigger finger” who rings in before knowing the answer.
cue the Kleenex: an expression used in anticipation of a big win by a contestant who has proved to be overly emotional. “Cue the Kleenex, I think we’re gonna get waterworks!”
god: n . the person who decides when a contestant’s answer is called into question. “We’re not sure your answer is acceptable, so we’re checking with god .”
Judas: n . an audience member who yells out an answer. “Thanks to Judas there, we’ll have to throw that question out and give you a new one.”
Poindexter: n . a super-bright contestant. From the genius kid in “Felix the Cat.”
reading your rights: v . the recitation of the rules of the game delivered to the contestants backstage prior to taping.
star wrangler: n . a person who books celebrity players. “We need a star wrangler with home phone numbers for Betty White and Jamie Farr.”
tornado: n . someone who wins everything not nailed down. “I’ve seen some good players, but this guy’s a tornado. “
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