clownishness

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clown

(kloun)

a. A buffoon or jester who entertains by jokes, antics, and tricks in a circus, play, or other presentation.

b. One who jokes and plays tricks.

2. A coarse, rude, vulgar person; a boor.

3. A peasant; a rustic.

intr.v. clowned, clown·ing, clowns

1. To behave like a buffoon or jester.

2. To perform as a buffoon or jester.

3. To krump, especially in clown makeup.

[Of Scandinavian origin (akin to Icelandic klunni, clumsy person) or of Low German origin.]

clown′er n.

clown′ish adj.

clown′ish·ly adv.

clown′ish·ness n.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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Special praise is reserved for Bonham Carter, who delivers a charming dollop of her trademark clownishness, and Awkwafina, a rapper, comedian and actress who injects a refreshing dash of street culture to a cast and story line that leans heavily on haute couture.

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This fact was hidden behind a faE*ade of clownishness. He liked to present himself as a philosopher (the "Green Book"), a visionary statesman (Israelis and Palestinians must unite in the "State of Isratine"), even as an immature teenager (his innumerable uniforms and costumes).

To The Shores of Tripoli

Frank's determination to show his devotion to Bo doesn't lessen his clownishness yet still reinforces his humanity, while Casper's sexcapades are partly mitigated by the manhandling he endures back home from Hjejle.