Buffoon
/bəˈfuːn/noun
A ridiculous but amusing person; a clown.
Did you know?The term 'buffoon' traces back to the Italian 'buffone', a term for someone who mocked the elite, often with deadly serious consequences in the courts of Europe.
Etymological Timeline
Late Middle Ages
Italian
buffone
“A jester or comic performer, often ridiculing nobility.”
16th Century
French
bouffon
“A comic character in theatrical performances.”
17th Century
English
buffoon
“An entertainer who uses absurdity and mockery.”
Modern English
English
buffoon
“A person who amuses others by ridiculous behavior.”
Explore more surprising origins