noun

buffoon

buh-FOON

noun

Someone who acts in a silly, clownish way, or who behaves so foolishly that it's almost comical.

"The critics called the politician a buffoon after his disastrous speech."

"He played the buffoon at parties, always the first to make a fool of himself."

How to Use Buffoon

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA fool or clown, often used to mock someone acting ridiculous, especially in a position where it seems inappropriate.

When to use it

Fairly formal and often used with a sharp, critical edge, especially in political commentary.

buffooned past tense, buffoons plural, buffoons singular

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The critics called the politician a _____ after his disastrous speech.

From Italian "buffone" ("jester"), from "buffare," meaning "to puff out the cheeks" — an old gesture associated with clowning around.

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