merry-andrew: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2 / Extremely rare, archaicArchaic, literary, humorous
Quick answer
What does “merry-andrew” mean?
A clown, buffoon, or foolish person who performs for laughs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A clown, buffoon, or foolish person who performs for laughs; a jester or silly entertainer.
A person who acts in a ludicrous, clownish, or frivolous manner to amuse others, often in a non-professional context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare and archaic in both varieties. No significant regional difference in use or meaning.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be recognized in British English due to historical literary exposure, but the difference is negligible.
Frequency
Virtually unused in contemporary speech or writing in both regions. Found primarily in historical texts or stylised prose.
Grammar
How to Use “merry-andrew” in a Sentence
[Subject] acts/plays the merry-andrew.He was nothing but a [adjective] merry-andrew.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or literary analysis of early modern/Renaissance theatre or social history.
Everyday
Not used. Would sound bizarre and archaic.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “merry-andrew”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “merry-andrew”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “merry-andrew”
- Using it as a modern synonym for 'comedian'.
- Capitalising it as a name ('Merry-Andrew').
- Using it in a positive, complimentary way.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic term. You will almost never hear it in modern conversation. It is useful for understanding historical texts or for deliberate, stylised effect in writing.
Yes, it often carries a dismissive or contemptuous tone, implying someone is a foolish, undignified entertainer rather than a serious person.
The etymology is uncertain. It first appeared in the late 17th century. One popular theory links it to Andrew Borde, a 16th-century physician and eccentric known for his humorous lectures, but this is not definitively proven.
No direct, widely-recognised female equivalent exists in English. Historically, the role was male. Terms like 'female jester' or 'jesteress' are modern constructions for a very rare historical figure.
A clown, buffoon, or foolish person who performs for laughs.
Merry-andrew is usually archaic, literary, humorous in register.
Merry-andrew: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɛri ˈændruː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɛri ˈændruː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “play the merry-andrew (to act the fool)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MERRY (happy) man named ANDREW who dresses in silly clothes and acts like a clown at a medieval fair.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS A PERFORMER (of low comedy).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'merry-andrew' be most appropriately used today?