'balatron' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'balatro' meaning 'buffoon' or 'jester'; its ultimate origin is uncertain (possibly imitative or related to Latin 'balare' 'to bleat').

'balatron' derives from Latin 'balatro' (buffoon); the term persisted in Medieval and Early Modern usage in various forms and entered English as the rare/archaic noun 'balatron'.

Initially it meant 'a buffoon or jester' in Latin and related medieval usage; over time the basic sense remained but the word fell into rare or archaic usage in modern English.