buffoon
UK: bəˈfuːn | US: bəˈfuːn
n. a ridiculous but amusing person; a clown or jester
n. someone who behaves in a silly or foolish way
buffoon = buff<to puff, mock> + oon<augmentative suffix>
- buff<to puff, mock>: From Old French buffe ("a blow, puff"), likely imitative of the sound of puffing cheeks, later associated with mockery.
- oon<augmentative suffix>: A suffix derived from Italian -one, used to form nouns implying exaggeration or largeness (e.g., balloon).
Etymology Origin:
The word buffoon entered English in the 16th century via French buffon, from Italian buffone ("jester"). It originally referred to professional clowns who exaggerated facial expressions (puffing cheeks) to amuse audiences. Over time, it generalized to describe anyone acting foolishly or ridiculously. The morphemes highlight the link between physical mockery (buff) and exaggerated behavior (-oon).
The politician’s outrageous antics made him look like a buffoon.
Medieval courts often employed buffoons to entertain guests.
Don’t act like a buffoon—take this seriously!
The play’s buffoon stole the show with his slapstick humor.
His buffoonery during the meeting undermined his credibility.