Buffo
/ˈbʊf.oʊ/noun
A comic male singer or comic role in opera, especially opera buffa.
Did you know?The term is closely associated with opera buffa, the comic counterpart to opera seria, where ordinary people and comic characters challenged aristocratic theatrical conventions.
Etymological Timeline
16th Century
Italian
buffo
“Comic, clownish, or ridiculous; later, a comic theatrical performer”
16th Century
Italian
buffone
“Buffoon or jester”
16th–17th Century
Italian
opera buffa
“Comic opera”
18th Century
English
buffo
“A comic male singer or role in opera”
Modern English
English
buffo
“A bass or baritone specializing in comic operatic roles”
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