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Jester Vs. Clown: Meaning And How To Use Each One

Jester Vs. Clown: Meaning And How To Use Each One

The words “jester” and “clown” are two words that have often been confused with each other. Many people believe that they mean the same thing and can be used interchangeably; however, that is not the case. Both words have different meanings and cannot be used interchangeably in some cases; let us look into both words and how to use them.

The word “clown,” when used as a noun, refers to a slapstick performer frequently connected to a circus and distinguished by garish, oversized attire, face paint, a red nose, and a vividly colored wig. In contrast, a “jester” refers to someone who makes jokes or mockery, particularly about other people.

Always use the right word to communicate to your readers when writing; this way, you can pass the correct information to them. In this article, we will explain the difference between the words “jester” and “clown” and how to use them in writing correctly.

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What Does The Word “Jester” Mean?

The word “jester” refers to someone who makes jokes or mocks. This word can be defined as a person who entertained an ancient or early medieval monarch or noble court in colorful clothing and a fool’s cap. It refers to a court fool or a buffoon.

In the past, jesters were traveling entertainers who provided free entertainment to the general public at fairs and local markets. Today, jesters still play at events with historical themes. Jesters are frequently imagined to have dressed in garish colors and kooky headgear throughout the Middle Ages. 

Their contemporary counterparts typically imitate this attire. Jesters’ primary forms of entertainment were singing, playing music, and telling stories. However, many also used gymnastics, juggling, joke-telling, and magic shows. The majority of the performance was comical. 

Many jesters used song or wordplay to make modern jokes about well-known figures or events to their audiences. It was not until the middle of the 16th century, during the Tudor era, that the English word “jester” began to be used in its contemporary sense. 

The ancient term ‘gestour,’ or ‘jestour,’ which initially came from Anglo-Norman and meant ‘storyteller’ or ‘minstrel,’ is whence this modern phrase gets its meaning. The words ‘fol, disour, clown, and bourder’ were also used earlier. These labels applied to entertainers who varied in their abilities and stage presence but had much in common as comic performers for the viewers.

Professional jesters who followed a similar practice were known as balatrones in ancient Rome. Balatrones received payment for their jokes, and they were frequently welcomed at the feasts of the wealthy for the entertainment they provided. 

Throughout the English kings’ history, several royal courts hired entertainment, and the majority had expert fools, sometimes known as licensed fools. Singing, narrative, and physical humor all served as entertainment. Acrobats and jugglers from Fool Societies, or bands of wandering entertainers, were frequently engaged in performances.

What Does The Word “Clown” Mean?

The word “clown” refers to a comedian performing while donning an elaborate costume and makeup. A clown uses physical humor to perform comedy and the arts in a condition of open-mindedness, usually while donning distinctive makeup or clothing and reversing folkways.

A circus has long included clowns. They frequently perform physical comedy in a mime-like manner, such as slapstick or other related forms. Clowns come in various forms; clowns with white faces are the most traditional. There are two subtypes of this: tidy and ugly. A little color is used on the faces of neat whiteface clowns, but their clothes are white. 

They are more intellectual and intelligent than hideous clowns. The faces of grotesque or auguste clowns are shades of pink, red, tan, and white. Their features are larger than life, and they frequently have bright colors. They wear clothing with strong colors and significant patterns or designs. 

The first known clowns date to Egypt’s Fifth Dynasty, roughly 2400 BC. Clowns, as opposed to court jesters, have historically had a socio-religious and mental function, and priests and clowns have typically been the same individual. 

According to Peter Berger, it appears conceivable that foolishness and fools, like magic and religion, satisfy some ingrained demands in human civilization. Clowning is frequently seen as a crucial component of training in physical performance since it may deal with the complex subject matter and also demands a lot of risk-taking and play from the performer.

Clown civilizations are those in which clown characters play a significant role, and a ritual clown is a clown who participates in either a religious or ceremonial activity. The legacy of the rodeo clown, which evolved from earlier humorous characters in theater or variety shows from the 19th to mid-20th century, is directly linked to modern clowns.

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How To Properly Use The Words “Jester” And “Clown” In A Sentence

The word “jester” functions as a noun in a sentence; this means it is used to describe something. We use the word “jester” to describe a person dependent on jokes or engaging in light-hearted conversation. It is also used to refer to somebody who frequently plays the fool.

You can use the word “jester” in a sentence to describe a professional clown used in the middle ages to amuse a monarch or nobleman. It is also used to refer to a professional jester or “fool” at an ancient court, usually seen carrying a pretend scepter and donning a bell-topped cap.

The word “clown” is also used as a noun in a sentence. It describes a person who makes other people laugh with their absurd antics. You can also use it to refer to a comedic performer, especially one who performs in a circus, who dresses traditionally and uses dramatic makeup.

We use the word “clown” in a sentence to describe a fun-loving extrovert, a person who is stupid or incompetent, or a simple-minded rural resident. This word can also be used as a verb to describe the act of behaving in a humorous or lighthearted manner

Bulleted List Of Examples Of The Words “Jester” And “Clown” Used In Sentences

To further explain the differences between the words “jester” and “clown,” we will provide some examples of the words in a sentence. Below are some examples of the word “jester” in a sentence.

  • I send you the tongue of this jobless jester who has compensated for his wild antics.
  • Now you must set out on an epic quest to free your nation from the evil jester’s spell and save your monarch.
  • The buffoon, a jester combining life and artwork or the hilarious and the serious, is better suited to handle disparate components.
  • Everyone in class always referred to James as a jester because of his unserious attitude to everything. 
  • Since they understood the significance of those in authority being contested, even absolute rulers granted the royal jester special protection.

Below are some examples of the word “clown” in a sentence.

  • This design is ideal for a clown, gypsy, or carnival outfit theme or party and is made with a simple white string attached underneath each balloon or bundled together.
  • Consider combining your haunting costume with a scary clown mask to make your costume even more exciting and spooky.
  • The class clown will appreciate a witty joke, while the local fashionista may favor a chic, feminine design.
  • Make your nose crimson, and add brightly colored triangles around your eyes to resemble a clown.
  • I seized the microphone since I am a natural clown and showed off, and I immediately began singing in the style of Elvis.

Final Thoughts

As nouns, jester and clown vary in that a jester is someone who jests, mocks, or jokes, while a clown is a visual artist frequently connected to a circus. It is necessary to know the difference between these two words and use them correctly in a sentence.