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Clown vs. Jester: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Clowns are comic performers using exaggerated actions and outfits, often in circuses; jesters are historical entertainers in courts, known for satire and wit.
Clown vs. Jester

Key Differences

Clowns are primarily associated with circuses and children's entertainment, showcasing exaggerated physical comedy and colorful costumes. Jesters, on the other hand, were historical figures in royal courts, using their wit and humor to entertain and sometimes advise royalty, often wearing distinctive, colorful, and eccentric clothing.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
The role of a clown is to invoke laughter through slapstick, physical humor, and sometimes absurdity, often in a non-verbal manner. Jesters were expected to be verbally clever and insightful, often using their position to speak truths under the guise of comedy, which others in the court could not.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
Clowns, as part of modern entertainment, often perform scripted routines and are seen in various media including movies and television. Jesters were improvisational, their art rooted in the medieval and Renaissance eras, often using music, storytelling, and jests to entertain.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
Clowns can be seen in various settings beyond circuses, like parties or parades, and their acts are generally light-hearted and non-controversial. Jesters, in contrast, were often expected to push boundaries, using satire and humor to reflect on political and social issues of their time.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
The modern perception of clowns varies, sometimes being associated with fear or unease, a concept popularized by media. Jesters hold a more historical and romanticized image, often associated with intelligence, wit, and the subtle art of satire.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Era

Modern times, especially popular in the 19th-20th centuries
Medieval and Renaissance eras
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Primary Role

Physical comedy, visual gags
Verbal wit, satire, and music
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Nov 13, 2023

Setting

Circuses, parties, media
Royal courts
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Nov 13, 2023

Performance Style

Scripted, exaggerated physical humor
Improvisational, clever wordplay
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Nov 13, 2023

Cultural Perception

Often light-hearted, sometimes feared
Seen as witty, intelligent, historically romanticized
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Clown and Jester Definitions

Clown

A person skilled in making people laugh, usually by behaving in a comical way.
The class clown always knew how to lighten the mood.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023

Jester

Someone who uses humor or sarcasm to critique or make light of authority.
He played the role of a jester, mocking the absurdity of political situations.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023

Clown

A performer in a circus known for humorous acts.
The clown juggled skillfully, making the children laugh.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023

Jester

A symbolic figure representing wit, often adorned in colorful and eccentric costumes.
In the medieval festival, the jester was a central figure, bringing laughter and joy.
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Nov 13, 2023

Clown

Someone who acts in a silly or foolish manner.
Stop being such a clown and take this seriously.
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Nov 13, 2023
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Jester

A historical entertainer known for wit and humor in a royal court.
The jester's clever jests amused the king and his court.
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Nov 13, 2023

Clown

A comic character in a play or skit.
He played the clown in the school play, eliciting laughter from the audience.
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Nov 13, 2023

Jester

A person who uses wit to entertain, often in a clever or subtle manner.
The jester entertained the guests with his quick-witted puns.
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Nov 13, 2023

Clown

A buffoon or jester who entertains by jokes, antics, and tricks in a circus, play, or other presentation.
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Oct 19, 2023

Jester

One given to jesting.
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Oct 19, 2023

Clown

One who jokes and plays tricks.
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Oct 19, 2023

Jester

A fool or buffoon at medieval courts.
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Oct 19, 2023

Clown

A coarse, rude, vulgar person; a boor.
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Oct 19, 2023

Jester

One who jests, jokes or teases.
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Oct 19, 2023

Clown

A peasant; a rustic.
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Oct 19, 2023

Jester

A person in colourful garb and fool's cap who amused a medieval and early modern royal or noble court.
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Oct 19, 2023

Clown

To behave like a buffoon or jester.
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Oct 19, 2023

Jester

Any of various nymphalid butterflies of the Southeast Asian genus Symbrenthia.
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Oct 19, 2023

Clown

To perform as a buffoon or jester.
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Oct 19, 2023

Jester

A buffoon; a merry-andrew; a court fool.
This . . . was Yorick's skull, the king's jester.
Dressed in the motley garb that jesters wear.
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Oct 19, 2023

Clown

To krump, especially in clown makeup.
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Oct 19, 2023

Jester

A person addicted to jesting, or to indulgence in light and amusing talk.
He ambled up and downWith shallow jesters.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Clown

A slapstick performance artist often associated with a circus and usually characterized by bright, oversized clothing, a red nose, face paint, and a brightly colored wig.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Jester

A professional clown employed to entertain a king or nobleman in the middle ages
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Oct 19, 2023

Clown

A person who acts in a silly fashion.
He was regarded as the clown of the school, always playing pranks.
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Oct 19, 2023

Jester

A character in literature or drama who uses clever speech to provide humor.
Shakespeare often used a jester to provide comic relief in his tragedies.
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Nov 13, 2023

Clown

A stupid or badly-behaved person.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Clown

(obsolete) A man of coarse nature and manners; an awkward fellow; an illbred person; a boor.
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Oct 19, 2023

Clown

(obsolete) One who works upon the soil; a rustic; a churl; a yokel.
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Oct 19, 2023

Clown

A clownfish.
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Oct 19, 2023

Clown

To act in a silly or playful fashion.
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Oct 19, 2023

Clown

To ridicule.
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Oct 19, 2023

Clown

A man of coarse nature and manners; an awkward fellow; an ill-bred person; a boor.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Clown

One who works upon the soil; a rustic; a churl.
The clown, the child of nature, without guile.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Clown

The fool or buffoon in a play, circus, etc.
The clown shall make those laugh whose lungs are tickle o'the sere.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Clown

To act as a clown; - with it.
Beshrew me, he clowns it properly indeed.
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Oct 19, 2023

Clown

A rude or vulgar fool
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Oct 19, 2023

Clown

A person who amuses others by ridiculous behavior
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Oct 19, 2023

Clown

Act as or like a clown
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Clown

A character in traditional pantomime, often characterized by brightly colored clothes and makeup.
The clown's exaggerated makeup added to the hilarity of his performance.
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Nov 13, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

What is a jester?

A jester was a historical entertainer in royal courts, known for their wit, humor, and often satirical performances.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023

How do clowns and jesters differ in their attire?

Clowns wear exaggerated, colorful costumes and makeup, while jesters historically wore distinctive, bright, and sometimes motley attire.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023

Did jesters have other roles besides entertainment?

Yes, jesters sometimes played a role in advising or critiquing royalty under the guise of humor.
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Nov 13, 2023

Can clowns and jesters be found in modern times?

Clowns are common in modern entertainment, but jesters are more historical figures, though their influence is seen in modern satire.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023

Is there a fear associated with clowns?

Yes, some people experience coulrophobia, or fear of clowns, often influenced by media portrayals.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023

Did jesters only entertain in courts?

Primarily, jesters entertained in royal courts, but they also performed in public settings.
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Nov 13, 2023

What is a clown?

A clown is a comic performer, known for their exaggerated behavior and colorful attire, typically found in circuses or as part of children's entertainment.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023

Are clowns and jesters similar in their roles?

While both aim to entertain through humor, clowns focus more on physical comedy and jesters on verbal wit and satire.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023

Are clowns always part of a circus?

Not always; clowns can be found in various entertainment forms, including parties, parades, and media.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023

Are jesters considered important historical figures?

Jesters are seen as significant for their role in cultural and political commentary in historical contexts.
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Nov 13, 2023

What is the historical significance of jesters?

Jesters hold historical significance for their unique role in critiquing and reflecting societal and political issues in a humorous way.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023

Do clowns have a specific style of humor?

Clowns typically use slapstick and physical humor, appealing to a broad audience.
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Nov 13, 2023

Did jesters have specific skills?

Jesters were skilled in various arts, including music, storytelling, acrobatics, and humor.
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Nov 13, 2023

Can anyone be a clown?

Becoming a clown typically requires training in physical comedy and performance skills.
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Nov 13, 2023

Were jesters always humorous?

While jesters were primarily humorous, they also employed sarcasm and satire, sometimes delivering serious commentary.
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Nov 13, 2023

Do clowns and jesters use verbal humor?

Clowns often rely on physical comedy, whereas jesters were known for their clever and verbal humor.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023

What is the cultural impact of jesters?

Jesters have had a lasting cultural impact, symbolizing the power of humor and wit to challenge authority and societal norms.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023

Is the role of a jester still present in modern society?

The traditional role of a jester no longer exists, but their influence is seen in modern satirical and comedic figures.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023

Are there different types of clowns?

Yes, there are various types of clowns, including the traditional circus clown, character clowns, and more modern interpretations.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 13, 2023

How are clowns portrayed in media?

Clowns are portrayed in diverse ways, ranging from comedic and friendly to sinister and frightening.
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Nov 13, 2023

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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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