clown
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clown
A performer, usually in a circus or variety show, who makes the audience laugh through a funny costume, makeup, and comic performances.
Die Kinder lachten über den Clown, der ständig über seine eigenen Füße stolperte.
The children laughed at the clown, who kept tripping over his own feet.
In the literal meaning, 'Clown' is often used in fixed phrases that describe the profession or costume, for example 'als Clown arbeiten' (to work as a clown), 'sich als Clown verkleiden' (to dress up as a clown), or 'ein Clown im Zirkus' (a clown in the circus).
Zum Karneval hat er sich als lustiger Clown verkleidet.
For Carnival, he dressed up as a funny clown.
A very common figurative use is the phrase 'sich zum Clown machen' (to make a clown of oneself). It means that someone behaves ridiculously or foolishly and embarrasses themselves in the process.
Mit seiner unüberlegten Aktion hat er sich vor allen zum Clown gemacht.
With his rash action, he made a clown of himself in front of everyone.
You can recognize the derogatory meaning from the tone and context. If someone is directly called a 'Clown' or the topic is inappropriate behavior, it is usually meant negatively. The neutral meaning is often connected to the context of a circus, party, or costume.
Sei doch nicht so ein Clown und setz dich ordentlich hin!
Don't be such a clown; sit down properly!
idiot
'der Idiot' and 'der Clown' can both be used derogatorily for a person you do not take seriously. However, 'Idiot' is much stronger and more directly insulting. It means that someone is acting very stupidly or unreasonably. 'Clown' is more likely to say that someone seems silly, embarrassing, or ridiculous. If you really want to express anger about a stupid action, 'Idiot' fits better. If someone constantly makes themselves look ridiculous or does not seem serious, 'Clown' sounds more natural.
Im Meeting hat sich Tom wie ein Clown benommen und niemand hat ihn ernst genommen.
In the meeting, Tom behaved like a clown and no one took him seriously.
Nur ein Idiot fährt bei Rot über die Ampel.
Only an idiot drives through a red light.