noun C1 Advanced

buffoon

buh-FOON

Buffoon (noun) means someone who acts in a silly, clownish way, or who behaves so foolishly that it's almost comical. Example: “The critics called the politician a buffoon after his disastrous speech.”

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.

Word Forms

buffooned past tense, buffoons plural, buffoons singular

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

Etymology

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

Origin: Italian

Rhymes for buffoon

noon moon soon hoon toon foon goon loon boon woon doon Yoon

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “buffoon” mean?

The word “buffoon” means someone who acts in a silly, clownish way, or who behaves so foolishly that it's almost comical. In plain terms, a fool or clown, often used to mock someone acting ridiculous, especially in a position where it seems inappropriate.

How do you pronounce “buffoon”?

“Buffoon” is pronounced buh-FOON (/bəˈfuːn/ in IPA).

How do you use “buffoon” in a sentence?

Here is “buffoon” used in a sentence: “The critics called the politician a buffoon after his disastrous speech.”

What part of speech is “buffoon”?

“Buffoon” is a noun.

Where does the word “buffoon” come from?

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

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Vocabulary lists that include buffoon:

Words With Italian Origins