Word of the Day: Buffoon

buffoon

buf-foon / bə-fo͞on

noun

1. one who entertains with jokes and tricks; a clown

Laughter is a most healthful exercise; it is one of the greatest helps to digestion with which I am acquainted; and the custom prevalent among our forefathers, of exciting it at table by jesters and buffoons, was in accordance with true medical principles.

Christoph Wilhelm Hufeland, 1762 – 1836

2. one who is vulgar, lacks sense or good judgement and acts foolish

Sometimes, political campaigns make decent people act and talk like perfect buffoons.

Tony Snow, 1955 – 2008