clowned
|clown|
/klaʊnd/
(clown)
comic entertainer
Etymology
'clown' originates from Scandinavian (probably Icelandic or Norwegian dialect), specifically the word 'klunni' or similar, where that word meant 'clumsy person' or 'lout'.
'clown' appeared in Early Modern English as 'clowen' or 'clown' meaning 'rustic, boor, clumsy person' in the 16th century; later (17th century onward) it developed the sense 'comic performer', and the verb 'to clown' ('behave like a clown' or 'perform as a clown') arose from the noun.
Initially it meant 'rustic or clumsy person,' but over time it evolved into 'comic performer' and then into verbal senses like 'act foolishly' or 'make someone look foolish.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
past tense/past participle of 'clown': acted like a clown; performed in a silly, playful way (often to entertain).
At the kids' party he clowned to keep them laughing.
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Verb 2
past tense/past participle of 'clown': behaved foolishly or irresponsibly (often implying lack of seriousness).
He clowned during the meeting and missed the important points.
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Verb 3
past tense/past participle of 'clown': made someone look foolish or humiliated them (to make a clown of someone).
The prank clowned him in front of his coworkers.
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Last updated: 2025/10/20 19:46