zany
UK: ˈzeɪni | US: ˈzeɪni
adj. amusingly unconventional or eccentric; clownish
n. a comical or eccentric person; a buffoon
The word "zany" originates from the Italian "zanni," a dialectal variant of "Gianni" (John), referring to a stock comic servant character in 16th-century commedia dell'arte. These characters were known for their absurd mimicry of their masters. By the late 1500s, English adopted "zany" to describe foolishly imitative or clownish behavior, evolving into its modern sense of eccentric humor.
His zany antics kept the audience laughing throughout the show.
The comedian’s zany personality made him a favorite on late-night TV.
She wore a zany hat covered in glitter and feathers to the party.
The film’s plot was too zany for some critics but delighted fans.
His zany sense of humor often left his friends in stitches.