bozo
12 synonyms for bozo, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An informal, mildly insulting term for a foolish or ridiculous person.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
First recorded in early 20th-century American English; its exact origin is uncertain, though it predates the clown character "Bozo."
Full origin of bozo →Frequently asked questions
What does “bozo” mean?
The word “bozo” means an informal, mildly insulting term for a foolish or ridiculous person. In plain terms, a silly or incompetent person, used as a mild insult.
How do you pronounce “bozo”?
“Bozo” is pronounced BOH-zoh (/ˈboʊ.zoʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “bozo” in a sentence?
Here is “bozo” used in a sentence: “Only a bozo would leave the car keys in the ignition overnight.”
What part of speech is “bozo”?
“Bozo” is a noun.
Where does the word “bozo” come from?
The word “bozo” dates back to around 1900. First recorded in early 20th-century American English; its exact origin is uncertain, though it predates the clown character "Bozo.".
