Traditionally, freak shows, also known as side shows, have featured individuals with genetic defects or odd talents.
Examples of freak show attractions include:

·Lobster Boy
·The Bearded Woman
·Geeks (the circus type, not the Slashdot type)
·Sword Swallowers
·The Fiji Mermaid
etc

Due to a combination of people getting upset at non-PC things nowadays and the lack of traveling circuses (circi?), freak shows are much less common now than they used to be.


See also: Humbug