different between buffoon vs merryandrew

English

Etymology

From Middle French bouffon, from Italian buffone (“jester”), from buffare (“to puff out the cheeks”), of unknown origin. Compare Middle High German buffen ("to puff"; > German büffen), Old English pyffan (“to breathe out, blow with the mouth”). More at English puff.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /b??fu?n/
• Rhymes: -u?n

Noun

buffoon (plural buffoons)

1. One who acts in a silly or ridiculous fashion; a clown or fool.
   • 1810, W. Melmoth (translator), Letters of Pliny

     To divert the audience with buffoon postures and antic dances.

2. (derogatory) An unintentionally ridiculous person.

Usage notes

• In the United States the term most commonly refers to inappropriate, clownish figures on the public stage; here the behavior of a variety of public figures have caused them to be referred to as buffoons by their political opponents.
• In the United Kingdom the term is used more broadly, to refer to such people who are retained in popular regard but who nevertheless engender amusement with their pronouncements and acts.

Derived terms

• buffoonery

Translations

Verb

buffoon (third-person singular simple present buffoons, present participle buffooning, simple past and past participle buffooned)

1. To behave like a buffoon

Translations

English

Noun

merryandrew (plural merryandrews)

1. Alternative spelling of Merry Andrew; clown; buffoon.