Definition

Noun: - A clown or buffoon; a person who amuses others by ridiculous behavior, often in a public or theatrical setting. The term historically referred to a comic performer, especially one assisting a mountebank (a traveling quack doctor) or part of a traveling show, whose role was to attract a crowd through foolish antics.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The fairground was full of entertainers, including a merry andrew who juggled poorly to make people laugh.
  • In the old play, the character of the merry andrew provided comic relief between the main acts.

Advanced Usage

• As a historical or literary term: The phrase is often used in historical contexts or literature to describe a specific type of performer from past centuries.
  • The 18th-century pamphlet described the mountebank and his merry andrew selling dubious remedies.

Variants and Related Words

• Buffoon (n): A ridiculous but amusing person; a clown.
• Jester (n): A professional joker or "fool" at a medieval court, whose duty was to entertain.
• Mountebank (n): A person who deceives others, especially by selling fake medicines; historically, the merry andrew was often the mountebank's assistant.

Synonyms

• Clown
• Fool
• Joker
• Prankster (though this implies more mischievous intent)

Related Phrases

• To play the fool: To behave in a silly or foolish way to amuse others.
  • He's not being serious; he's just playing the fool.

Related Idioms

• A laughing stock: A person who is ridiculed by many people. (This describes the of being like a merry andrew, rather than the role itself.)
  • After his failed attempt at comedy, he became the laughing stock of the office.

Noun

1. a person who amuses others by ridiculous behavior