playtron

n. an observer or vistor at a Renaissance fair or festival who wears a costume suited for the time period. Subjects: English, Pastimes & Hobbies, Slang

Etymological Note: play(er) + patron

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Citations: 1994 Usenet: alt.fairs.renaissance (Sept. 12) “Re: Sterling NY Alumni?”: I’ve been attending the festival since 1988 and during the 1992 and 1993 seasons I was a member of the volunteer group known alternately as the Support Troupe, Playtrons, or POR Folk. 1997 [Bellebet (Tricia, Rosemary Anne Thyme)] Usenet: alt.fairs.renaissance (Oct. 17) “Re: MMario: thanks!”: I know quite a few people, including myself who would love to be playtrons and be your “Front Row CHorus.” The rennie’s are coming, the Rennies are coming! 1998 [AuroraeB (Tracy)] Usenet: alt.fairs.renaissance (Aug. 19) “Re: What do you value?”: I love to “people-watch,” be they participants or just playtrons and patrons who show up in bizzare attire. 2007 Rona Marech Baltimore Sun (Maryland) (Aug. 27) “Knights and ladies escape to Revel Grove”: Such devotion is common among “Rennies” or “playtrons,” as the most serious Renaissance-obsessed merrymakers call themselves. Many have attended the festival for decades—sometimes traveling great distances to roam the 25-acre faux-Tudor village of Revel Grove.

Posted 28 Aug 07 | Permalink | Tell a Friend