noun C1 Advanced

buffoon

buh-FOON

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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.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: buffoons
Third person singular: buffoons
Past tense: buffooned

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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

Synonyms

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clown goof goofball merry andrew

Related words

lie error sin idiot fool clown goose trump

Rhymes for buffoon

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

See all rhymes for buffoon →

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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