Bouffon
/ˈbuː.fɒn/noun
A grotesque clown or jester, especially a theatrical performer who uses mockery and physical exaggeration.
Did you know?In modern theatre, bouffons are often portrayed as outsiders or grotesque “holy fools,” using ridicule to invert social hierarchies and reveal uncomfortable truths.
Etymological Timeline
Late Middle Ages
Italian
buffone
“A professional jester, clown, or comic performer.”
16th Century
Italian
buffo
“Comic or humorous; also used for a comic performer.”
16th–17th Century
French
bouffon
“A jester or clown, borrowed from Italian buffone.”
18th Century
French
bouffon
“A comic or ridiculous person; the term also developed theatrical associations.”
20th Century
English
bouffon
“A grotesque theatrical clown, especially in physical and devised theatre.”
Explore more surprising origins