clownery

[ klou-nuh-ree ]

noun

, plural clown·er·ies

1. clownish behavior.
2. an instance of this.

Word History and Origins

Origin of clownery¹

First recorded in 1580–90; clown + -ery

Example Sentences

At its center, the rubbery Tews gamely serves up a wide range of pre-sound clownery, from deadpan reactions to crazy-eyed exuberance.

From Los Angeles Times

He, of course, is Napoleon Bonaparte, played by Joaquin Phoenix with a bicorn hat, a dyspeptic grimace and an unshakable air of post-“Joker,” post-“Beau Is Afraid” tragic clownery.

From Los Angeles Times

The clownery that ensues around this plot point cannot be overstated.

From New York Times

The campy tone is emphasized, especially by Brett Gelman, who gives a bravura comedic turn as their downstairs neighbor and cat enthusiast, Mr. Grumps, and Javier Bardem, who goes for broke in what can only be described as a tour de force performance of tragic clownery playing magician-musician Hector P. Valenti.

From Los Angeles Times

His scandals, clownery and impressionistic handling of facts finally wore thin with his own party’s stalwarts, as they did with much of the British public.

From Washington Post