Buffoon: meaning, definitions and examples

When you need to describe someone acting foolishly or in a silly manner, often in a way that lacks sophistication. This word can carry a negative connotation.

• He behaved like a buffoon at the meeting, making everyone uncomfortable.
• The character in the play is portrayed as a bumbling buffoon.

Often used in historical contexts to refer to a professional entertainer in a royal court, known for their wit and humor. It can also be used more broadly to describe someone who makes witty or humorous remarks.

• The medieval king's jester was known for his sharp wit.
• In any group of friends, there's always one jester who keeps everyone laughing.

Commonly used to refer to a performer who dresses in colorful clothes and makeup, entertaining people, especially children. It can also describe someone who acts silly to make others laugh, but it can have a negative context when criticizing behavior.

• The clown at the children's party made everyone laugh with his tricks.
• Stop acting like a clown and take this seriously!

Used to describe someone who makes jokes, often in a casual or playful manner. It can also refer to a playing card or someone who might not be taken seriously. The term can have a lightly negative connotation if someone is seen as not being serious enough.

• He's always the joker at the office, making everyone laugh with his jokes.
• Who invited this joker to the serious meeting? We need to stay focused!

Typically used to describe someone who acts in a silly or ridiculous manner, often in an effort to entertain others. It can carry a somewhat negative connotation, suggesting a lack of seriousness.

• Everyone laughed at Tom's jokes, but some thought he was just being a buffoon.
• The teacher warned the class clown to stop acting like a buffoon during lessons.

Used to describe someone who behaves in a silly or unwise manner. The term is mostly negative and suggests a significant lack of judgment or common sense.

• He felt like a fool for trusting the wrong person.
• Only a fool would ignore such obvious signs of trouble.

A strongly negative term used to describe someone perceived as very lacking in intelligence or judgment. This word is often offensive and should be used with caution.

• Calling someone an idiot is very hurtful and unnecessary.
• He was furious and shouted, 'You absolute idiot!' after the mistake was made.

Often referred to a person who performs humorously in a circus or entertainment setting, but can also mean someone who acts foolishly in everyday situations. This word can be neutral or slightly negative depending on the context.

• The children enjoyed watching the clown perform tricks at the birthday party.
• Don't be such a clown during the meeting; we need to focus.