clown around
Definition
- Verb:
- To behave in a silly, playful, or comedic way, often to amuse others or attract attention: This describes acting foolishly or joking around, similar to how a clown performs.
Usage
- This phrasal verb is used to describe informal, often unserious behavior intended to be funny or entertaining. It can have a neutral or slightly negative connotation depending on context, implying the behavior is perhaps inappropriate or overly childish.
- It is typically used in informal contexts.
Examples
- Verb:
- The kids were clowning around in the back of the classroom.
- Stop clowning around and focus on your work!
- He loves to clown around at parties to make people laugh.
Advanced Usage
- "to clown around with [someone]": to engage in silly behavior together with another person or group.
- The two comedians spent the whole interview clowning around with each other.
Variants and Related Words
- Clown (verb): To act like a clown; to behave ridiculously. (e.g., )
- Clown (noun): A performer, often in a circus, who wears funny clothes and makeup and does silly things to make people laugh; also, a person who acts in a silly way.
- Clownish (adjective): Resembling or characteristic of a clown; silly, buffoonish. (e.g., )
Synonyms
- Fool around: To behave in a silly or playful way.
- Horse around: To engage in rough, noisy, and playful physical activity.
- Mess about/around: (Informal) To spend time doing things in a relaxed, unserious, or unproductive way.
- Cut up: (Informal, chiefly US) To act in a comical or mischievous way.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Goof around/off: To spend time doing silly or unimportant things instead of working or being serious.
- They spent the afternoon goofing around at the mall.
Related Idioms
- Play the fool: To deliberately act in a silly or stupid way.
- He's not stupid; he just likes to play the fool sometimes.
Verb
-
act as or like a clown
