sword-swallower
Gulps metal blades
A sword-swallower is a performer who passes a blade down the throat and into the stomach—a genuine physical feat requiring trained relaxation of the gag reflex, not an illusion.
The term extends figuratively to someone who takes on dangerous or seemingly impossible tasks.
In vulgar slang, it disparages someone who performs oral sex on men.
Flat cutting edge
- throatNeck's inner passage
- punctureHole from penetration
- esophagusFood tube to stomach
- steelCarbon-hardened iron alloy
sharp · laceration · perforation · hemorrhage · infection · aspiration · fatal · emergency
Secondary carnival attraction
- big topMain circus tent
- carnivalTraveling amusement attraction
- barkerShow entrance promoter
- ringmasterCircus performance director
tent · marquee · freakshow · midway · attraction · geek · carny · spectacle
Skilled way of performing
- controlAuthority to direct
- relaxationState of being unwound
- practiceRepeated work toward mastery
- trainingDeveloping abilities through practice
suppression · alignment · precision · discipline · concentration · expertise · mastery · breathing
Performer swallowing flames
- contortionistOne who bends extremely
- escapologistPerformer who defeats restraints
- geekObsessive enthusiast
- blockheadStupid, foolish person
fakir · regurgitator · vaudeville · burlesque · cabaret
blade
Flat cutting edge
steel · sharp · laceration · perforation · hemorrhage · infection · aspiration · fatal · emergency · perilous
sideshow
Secondary carnival attraction
ringmaster · tent · marquee · freakshow · midway · attraction · geek · carny · spectacle · fairground
technique
Skilled way of performing
- controlAuthority to direct
- relaxationState of being unwound
- practiceRepeated work toward mastery
training · suppression · alignment · precision · discipline · concentration · expertise · mastery · breathing · desensitization
fire-eater
Performer swallowing flames
- contortionistOne who bends extremely
- escapologistPerformer who defeats restraints
- geekObsessive enthusiast
blockhead · fakir · regurgitator · vaudeville · burlesque · cabaret
act
Deed or performance
- routineRegular sequence of actions
- showmanshipSkill at impressive presentation
- audienceGathered viewers collectively
stage · theatrics · costume · dramatic · finale · applause · gasps · reveal · bow · spotlight
sword-swallowerfire-breather
One who exhales flames
fire-eater · contortionist · human cannonball · strongman · trapeze artist
sword, swallow, swords, swordsman, swordsmanship, swallows, swallowed, swallowing, swallower