A foolish or ridiculous person who tries to make others laugh through silly behavior.
From French 'buffon,' from Italian 'buffone' (clown), possibly from 'buffo' (puffed-up, ridiculous). The term entered English in the 16th century with theatrical connotations.
Buffoons were actually medieval entertainers hired to make nobles laugh through absurd behavior—but over time, the word became an insult, showing how people who were once paid entertainers are now synonymous with stupidity.
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