buffoon
/bʌ'fu:n/
Definition
Noun: 1. A person who amuses others by ridiculous behavior: A buffoon is someone who acts in a silly, clownish, or exaggeratedly foolish way, often to make people laugh. 2. A rude or vulgar fool: This meaning emphasizes a person who is not only foolish but also lacks good judgment, manners, or taste in their attempts to be funny.
Usage
The word "buffoon" is used to describe a person whose behavior is considered absurdly comical or foolish. It often carries a critical or disapproving tone, suggesting the person is undignified or lacks seriousness. It is a formal word, more likely to be found in writing or critical speech than in casual conversation.
Examples
- The politician's constant, exaggerated gestures made him look like a buffoon rather than a statesman.
- He played the buffoon at the party, telling terrible jokes and tripping over furniture.
- The critic dismissed the comedian as a vulgar buffoon with no real talent.
Advanced Usage
- Buffoonery (noun): This is the related noun describing the foolish or ridiculous behavior itself.
- The meeting descended into chaos and buffoonery.
- Buffoonish (adjective): This describes someone or something that resembles or is characteristic of a buffoon.
- His buffoonish antics were not appropriate for the formal ceremony.
Variants and Related Words
- Buffoonery (n): Ridiculous or clownish behavior.
- Buffoonish (adj): Behaving like a buffoon.
Synonyms
- Clown: A performer who wears funny clothes and makeup and does silly things to make people laugh; can also mean a foolish person.
- Fool: A person who acts unwisely or imprudently; a silly person.
- Jester: A historical entertainer employed to joke and amuse a royal court; similar to a professional buffoon.
- Simpleton: A foolish or gullible person (less focused on the comedic aspect).
Antonyms
- Sage: A profoundly wise person.
- Sober person: A serious, sensible, and solemn person.
Idioms and Phrases
- To play the buffoon: To deliberately act in a foolish or ridiculous manner.
- He was tired of having to play the buffoon just to get his colleagues' attention.
Noun
-
a person who amuses others by ridiculous behavior
-
a rude or vulgar fool
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