Definition

1. Noun:

   • Clown's foot: The literal meaning refers to the foot of a clown or a performer who plays a comedic, foolish role.
   • Clown character / Comic role: In a theatrical or performance context, it refers to the character or role of a clown itself, the person who performs comedy, often through physical humor and exaggerated actions.

2. Noun (figurative usage):

   • Buffoon / Fool: Used metaphorically to describe a person who acts foolishly or ridiculously, often to amuse others or due to a lack of seriousness, sometimes implying they are being made a fool of by others.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Trong vở kịch, anh ấy đóng vai chân hề. (In the play, he plays the clown character.)
  • Đôi giày to tướng là một phần quan trọng của chân hề. (The oversized shoes are an important part of the clown's foot/character.)
• Figurative:
  • Anh ta cứ cư xử như một chân hề trước mặt sếp. (He keeps acting like a buffoon in front of the boss.)

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used in literary or critical contexts to describe someone who is the perpetual jester or fool in a social or professional setting, often highlighting a lack of dignity or respect.

Variants and Related Words

• Hề (n): Clown, jester. The root word from which "chân hề" is derived.
  • Anh hề đó rất vui nhộn. (That clown is very funny.)

Synonyms

• Clown: A comic performer, often in a circus.
• Jester: A historical entertainer employed to amuse a court.
• Buffoon: A ridiculous but amusing person; a fool.
• Fool: A person who acts unwisely or imprudently.

Related Idioms

• Làm trò hề / Đóng vai chân hề: To play the fool; to act the clown.
  • Anh ấy không muốn đóng vai chân hề trong văn phòng nữa. (He doesn't want to play the fool in the office anymore.)