funny-man

A funny-man tells jokes at a children's birthday party.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A professional comedian: "funny-man" refers to a male performer whose primary role is to make people laugh, especially in a professional context such as a circus, theatre, or film.
   • A humorous person: In informal use, it can denote any man known for his ability to tell jokes or amuse others.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The circus hired a new funny-man to entertain the children. (A professional comedian or clown.)
  • At parties, he is always the funny-man, telling jokes and making everyone laugh. (A naturally humorous person.)

Advanced Usage

• "the funny-man of the group": a phrase used to describe the person in a social circle who is most humorous.
  • In our office, Tom is the funny-man who lightens the mood during stressful meetings. (Tom is the one who brings humour to the team.)

Variants and Related Words

• Funny (adj): causing laughter or amusement.
  • That joke was very funny. (Amusing.)
• Funny-woman (n): the female equivalent of a funny-man.
  • She is a talented funny-woman in the comedy club. (A female comedian.)
• Funny business (n): suspicious or dishonest activity (idiomatic).
  • I don't want any funny business during the exam. (No cheating or tricks.)

Synonyms

• Comedian: a professional entertainer who performs comedy.
• Clown: a comic performer, especially in a circus, often with exaggerated makeup and costume.
• Jester: a historical term for a court entertainer who told jokes and performed tricks.

Related Idioms

• Funny bone: the sense of humour; also the elbow's ulnar nerve.
  • That joke really tickled my funny bone. (Amused me greatly.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Funny up (informal): to make something more amusing or humorous.
  • He tried to funny up his speech with a few jokes. (To add humour to something.)