buffoon
Say it: buh-FOON /bəˈfuːn/ · noun
What “buffoon” means
Someone who acts ridiculously and makes people laugh.
More precisely: A ridiculous but amusing person; a clown.
Example: “He plays the buffoon at parties, but he's the sharpest lawyer I know.”
When to use it
Use it for someone behaving like a clown. It can sound affectionate among friends or insulting when said sharply.
Similar words
clown, joker, fool
Where it comes from
From Italian buffone, from buffa, 'a jest'.
Quick check
At dinner, your cousin puts bread rolls over his eyes and performs a ridiculous dance. He's playing…
the referee or the buffoon?
Show the answer
the buffoon
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