That would be geek as in...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Oxford English Dictionary
U.S. slang. A performer at a carnival or circus whose show consists of bizarre or grotesque acts, such as biting the head off a live animal.
1919 Billboard (Cincinnati) 25 Oct. 74/4 ( advt.) At Liberty Snake charmer or geek man; would like to join show going south. 1935 Amer. Mercury June 229 Geek, a degenerate who bites off the heads of chickens in a gory cannibal show.
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... right?
I've learnt something today.