fon
Fon (noun) means an old-fashioned or dialect word for a foolish person. Example: “The village fon was the butt of every joke.”
How to use fon
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA rare word — either an old term for a fool, or the title of a traditional ruler in Cameroon.
Don't confuse with the Fon language and people of Benin, which is spelled the same but unrelated in origin.
Word forms
fons plural, fons plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The village _____ was the butt of every joke.
Etymology
From Middle English fonne, the same root that gave us "fun."
Frequently asked questions
What does “fon” mean?
The word “fon” means an old-fashioned or dialect word for a foolish person. In plain terms, a rare word — either an old term for a fool, or the title of a traditional ruler in Cameroon.
How do you pronounce “fon”?
“Fon” is pronounced fawn (/fɔːn/ in IPA).
How do you use “fon” in a sentence?
Here is “fon” used in a sentence: “The village fon was the butt of every joke.”
What part of speech is “fon”?
“Fon” is a noun.
Where does the word “fon” come from?
The word “fon” comes from Middle English. From Middle English fonne, the same root that gave us "fun.".
How many meanings does “fon” have?
“Fon” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an old-fashioned or dialect word for a foolish person.