pitre

clown, buffoon

noun PEE-truh Rare

Usage Note

Pitre describes someone who acts the fool to get laughs, often with a slightly derisive tone. The expression faire le pitre means to clown around or play the fool. The abstract noun pitrerie refers to a clownish act or piece of buffoonery.

Examples

"Arrête de faire le pitre en classe !"

Natural Translation

Stop clowning around in class!

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