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guignol

clown, buffoon

noun ghee-NYOL Rare
Arts & Culture Performance

Origin: Named after the Lyon puppet character Guignol, created c.1808 by Laurent Mourguet

Also means

puppet-show character (Punch-and-Judy type)

Usage Note

Guignol originated as a specific Lyon puppet character known for slapstick and sharp wit, similar to Punch in England. It is now used informally to call someone a clown or fool. C'est du guignol means 'it's a farce'. The Grand Guignol was also a Parisian theatre famous for horror plays.

Examples

"Arrête de faire le guignol en classe."

Natural Translation

Stop clowning around in class.

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