noun
bozo
BOH-zoh
Bozo (noun) means an informal, mildly insulting term for a foolish or ridiculous person. Example: “Only a bozo would leave the car keys in the ignition overnight.”
noun
1
An informal, mildly insulting term for a foolish or ridiculous person.
"‘What’s the big bozo up to?’"
— Delos W. Lovelace, King Kong (1932)
"Only a bozo would leave the car keys in the ignition overnight."
How to use bozo
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA silly or incompetent person, used as a mild insult.
When to use it
Informal and somewhat dated; mostly used jokingly or in mock exasperation.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like bozo.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- bozos
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Only a _____ would leave the car keys in the ignition overnight.
Etymology
First recorded in early 20th-century American English; its exact origin is uncertain, though it predates the clown character "Bozo."
Class of 1900
bozo joined the language around 1900.
See the full Class of 1900 →
Related words
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.".
