clown
B1Neutral to informal
Definition
Meaning
A performer, typically in a circus, who wears funny clothes and makeup and does silly things to make people laugh.
A person who acts in a foolish or silly way, often to amuse others or due to a lack of seriousness; someone who is not to be taken seriously.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word can be used literally (circus performer) or metaphorically (foolish person). The metaphorical use is often derogatory, implying incompetence or lack of dignity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. Both use the literal and figurative senses identically.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties: humour, foolishness, lack of seriousness, sometimes incompetence.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
clown aroundclown aboutclown as [someone]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “clown car (a very small car filled with an improbably large number of people)”
- “send in the clowns (to introduce chaos or farce into a situation)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used literally. Figuratively, derogatory: 'He's a clown in meetings, never has the data.'
Academic
Very rare, except in studies of performance, literature, or sociology.
Everyday
Common for describing silly behaviour or referring to circus/comedy performers.
Technical
Used in theatrical/circus contexts (e.g., 'clown therapy', 'clown character archetype').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The lads were clowning about in the garden.
- He clowned his way through the interview.
American English
- The kids were clowning around after school.
- She clowned on stage for a full hour.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form in use.
American English
- No standard adverbial form in use.
adjective
British English
- He had a clown-like expression.
- It was a clown car full of politicians.
American English
- She wore a clown nose to the party.
- The meeting descended into clown show antics.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The clown at the circus made the children laugh.
- My brother is such a clown when he tells jokes.
- She hired a clown for her son's birthday party.
- Stop clowning around and help me with this!
- His attempt at being serious was undermined by his reputation as an office clown.
- The politician was accused of clowning during the crucial debate.
- Beneath the garish makeup, the clown's performance was a poignant commentary on loneliness.
- The boardroom descended into farce, with everyone clowning for the cameras.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the sound 'clown' rhyming with 'frown' – a clown tries to turn your frown upside down.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON ACTING FOOLISHLY IS A CLOWN (e.g., 'Stop clowning around!').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'клоун' (direct translation, same meaning). No significant trap, but note the figurative derogatory use is identical.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'clown' as a verb without a particle (e.g., 'He clowned' is less common than 'He clowned around').
- Confusing 'clown' (performer) with 'joker' (more focused on tricks/pranks).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'clown' MOST likely to be used in a positive or neutral way?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In its literal sense (circus performer) it is neutral/descriptive. As a metaphor for a foolish person, it is usually derogatory.
A 'clown' suggests broad, physical comedy and foolishness. A 'joker' focuses more on verbal jokes, tricks, and pranks.
Yes, but it usually requires a particle like 'around' or 'about' (e.g., 'clown around'). It means to act in a silly or funny way.
Yes. It's a well-known archetype where a clown appears happy but is secretly sad or melancholic, symbolising hidden emotions.