Faires have their own language. Within an hour you'll hear people praise your garb, cheer “Huzzah!” and talk about playtrons and mundanes. Here are the words worth knowing, plus the simple etiquette that keeps the day fun for everyone.
In short
- “Garb” is your costume. “Huzzah!” is the faire's cheer.
- You don't need to speak in old English, but playing along is welcome.
- Tip performers, ask before photos and keep your hands off other people's props.
- Every faire is a mix of eras and styles, so nobody minds what you wear.
Faire words, A to Z
- Aye / nay: yes and no, faire style.
- Cast: the performers and staff who stay in character all day.
- Farb, farby: a reenactor's word for clothing that isn't historically accurate. You'll rarely hear it at a faire, where fantasy is welcome.
- Garb: your costume or faire clothing. “Love your garb!” is the standard compliment.
- Good morrow: good morning, or simply hello.
- Huzzah!: the faire cheer. Shout it at the end of a show, a toast or a joust.
- Kit: your whole outfit, including armour and accessories. Common at LARP and reenactment events.
- The lists: the jousting arena.
- Mundanes: everyday modern clothes, or a visitor wearing them. Also used for life outside the faire.
- My lord, my lady: how performers will greet you. Answer in kind.
- Patron: a visitor.
- Peace-tied: a prop weapon tied into its sheath so it can't be drawn. Many faires ask for this.
- Playtron: a visitor who dresses up and plays along, halfway between patron and player.
- Prithee: please.
- Rennie: someone who works the faire circuit, such as a performer, crafter or vendor. Also used for faire lovers in general.
Simple faire etiquette
- Tip the performers. Street acts and stage shows often pass the hat at the end. A few coins or notes keep them performing.
- Ask before photos of other visitors. Costumed visitors are usually happy to pose, but they're guests too.
- Don't touch other people's garb or props. Ask first. Some pieces are handmade and fragile.
- Follow the weapons rules. Check your faire's policy. Peace-tie your props if asked.
- Mind your space. Wide skirts, wings and big props take room on busy paths and benches.
- Play along with the cast. They improvise around you. A smile and a “Huzzah” go a long way.
- Be kind about costumes. Faires mix every era and style, and first-timers in jeans are welcome. Nobody likes the costume police.
Do you have to talk like it's 1550?
No. Nobody expects you to. If you'd like to try, a few words go a long way: “good morrow”, “my lord” or “my lady”, “huzzah” and “fare thee well”.
Questions people ask
What does “Huzzah” mean?
It's an old cheer, like “hurray”. At a faire it means “well done”, “cheers” or simply “yes!”.
What do you call people who work at a Renaissance faire?
Performers and staff are the cast. People who travel the faire circuit as performers or vendors are often called rennies.
Do I need to wear garb to be welcome?
No. Visitors in everyday clothes are welcome everywhere. Garb just adds to the fun. Our outfit guide shows the easy way to start.
