Buffone

/buːˈfoʊn/ noun

Definition

An alternative spelling of buffo; a comic actor or buffoon in Italian theater.

Etymology

Italian variant of 'buffo,' both from the same root meaning 'comic' or 'foolish person,' possibly connected to 'buffare' (to puff or swell).

Kelly Says

In Renaissance Italian theater, the 'buffone' was a stock character—think of Commedia dell'arte—who improvised jokes and physical comedy, laying the groundwork for modern stand-up comedy centuries before microphones.

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