bouffon

jester, buffoon

noun boo-FOHN Rare

Origin: Italian 'buffone' (jester)

Also means

clown, fool

Usage Note

bouffon historically referred to the court jester whose job was to amuse royalty. Today it is used informally as an insult meaning someone who acts foolishly or makes a spectacle of themselves. Faire le bouffon means 'to act the fool.' The feminine is bouffonne.

Examples

"Ne fais pas le bouffon devant tout le monde."

Natural Translation

Don't act the fool in front of everyone.

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