Mardi Gras Lingo

Mardi Gras Lingo

Krewe: A term used by all Carnival organizations to describe themselves, as in Krewe of Iris.

"Throw me somethin' mister": Phrase shouted at float riders to get their attention so they will throw beads.

"Show your": What float riders may ask women to do to get beads. Not recommended unless you want to end up on the next installment of Girls Gone Wild.

Throw: Anything thrown off a float, such as beads, plastic cups, doubloons (fake metal coins), or stuffed animals.

Coconuts: Usually decorated; a prized throw only given out by riders in the Zulu parade.

Debutante: Young women, usually college sophomores or juniors, who are presented into society at Carnival balls and parties.

Carnival balls: Many krewes have black-tie balls to present debutantes. Alas, you can't buy a ticket -- you have to be invited.

Rex, King of Carnival: There has to be a King, right? And this King and his krewe roll on Fat Tuesday.

Purple, green, and gold: The official colors of Mardi Gras (purple represents justice, green signifies faith, and gold stands for power), chosen by the first Rex in 1872.

King cake: An oval-shaped cake that has a plastic baby hidden inside. King cakes are eaten from Jan. 6 -- "Twelfth Night" -- until Mardi Gras; whoever gets the baby has to buy the next cake. King Cakes are often decorated with purple, green, and gold sugar or icing.

Lundi Gras: French for "Fat Monday," the day before Mardi Gras; celebrated by the arrival of Rex, King of Carnival, via boat to the riverfront. Today, the event also includes the King of Zulu, who greets Rex, and a festival with bands and food.

Mardi Gras: "Fat Tuesday" in French; the day before Ash Wednesday and the culmination of the festivities surrounding Carnival season.

Mardi Gras Indians: Groups of black men who are dressed in elaborate costumes -- or "suits" -- to resemble Native Americans. Most men are in "tribes" that march on Mardi Gras, in addition to St. Joseph's day and Super Sunday. This custom started in the late 19th century in response to blacks being excluded from white Mardi Gras parades and organizations.