cleese: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Humorous
Quick answer
What does “cleese” mean?
A humorous or affectionate name for an eccentric, funny, or awkward person, often associated with British comedy actor John Cleese.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A humorous or affectionate name for an eccentric, funny, or awkward person, often associated with British comedy actor John Cleese.
Used to describe someone who displays a style of humour characterised by absurdity, physical comedy, or pedantic frustration reminiscent of John Cleese's performances. Can also refer to the style itself.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More likely to be understood and used in British English due to the cultural prominence of John Cleese in the UK. In American English, its use is largely restricted to fans of British comedy.
Connotations
UK: Strongly associated with classic British comedy, silliness, and a specific brand of intelligent absurdity. US: May carry a more niche, cult-following connotation.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, but slightly more probable in UK informal speech/writing among certain demographics.
Grammar
How to Use “cleese” in a Sentence
to do a [cleese] (VP)a [cleese] of a performance (NP)his reaction was pure [cleese] (AdjP)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cleese” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He absolutely cleesed his way through the entire presentation, waving his arms about.
American English
- Stop cleesing around and focus on the task!
adverb
British English
- He reacted Cleese-ly, stomping around the room.
American English
- She argued Cleese-fully, with impeccable absurd logic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used humorously: 'The meeting descended into a total Cleese when the projector failed.'
Academic
Virtually nonexistent, except in studies of comedy or media.
Everyday
Informal, among friends familiar with the reference: 'Don't do a Cleese over spilt milk!'
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cleese”
- Using it as a standard adjective for 'funny' without the specific cultural reference. Spelling it 'Cleeze' or 'Cleas'. Using it in formal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a proper name (John Cleese) that has entered informal usage as a common noun/adjective through cultural reference. It is not found in most standard dictionaries but is used in specific communities.
No, it is far too informal and niche. It should only be used in very casual, humorous contexts where the audience is guaranteed to understand the reference.
In the phrase 'to do a Cleese,' meaning to act in a humorously frustrated or absurd way reminiscent of John Cleese's characters.
Primarily, but its lexicalised use extends to describing people, actions, or humour that resembles his iconic style.
A humorous or affectionate name for an eccentric, funny, or awkward person, often associated with British comedy actor John Cleese.
Cleese is usually informal, humorous in register.
Cleese: in British English it is pronounced /kliːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /kliːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to do a Cleese: to behave in an exaggeratedly frustrated or absurdly comic manner.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of John CLEESE and his SILLY walks. CLEESE rhymes with 'please', as in 'please be funny like Cleese'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS A PERFORMANCE STYLE (The eccentric person is metaphorically the style of comedy performed by John Cleese).
Practice
Quiz
In what context is the word 'cleese' (used as a common noun) most appropriately understood?