The term Buffoon is a somewhat derogatory yet amusing term for a humourous character who provides his amusement principally through stupidity rather than talent. The term clown is sometimes incorrectly used, although this more usually refers to professional entertainers who provide that sort of act for a living. A Buffoon is, " A ridiculous but nevertheless amusing person".

The term is often used to updraid naughty school children, e.g. "Stop that Tisshaw - you Buffoon"

A person can become a Buffoon either through natural disorganisation and/or clumsiness, or by attempting to gain attention through humour but failing to pull it off. An individual may also choose to become a Buffoon in order to gain a unique place in a social group, although this is generally a last resort.

University Degrees in Buffoonery were popular throughout the 19th Century but these fell in to disfavour in the early 20th Century; they are, however, making a comeback at certain institutions.

The term is not to be confused with Baboon (a large primate) or even Balloon (a coloured rubber sack which is then inflated with air or another sort of gas and then sealed at the neck)