小丑

• Pinyin: xiǎo chǒu
• Hanzi breakdown: 小 = pictograph of something small; 丑 = 鬼 component (ugly face) — the comic/ugly role in Chinese opera

Meaning

Clown; a buffoon or jester; someone who behaves ridiculously or makes others laugh, often with a pejorative undertone.

Literally refers to a circus or theatrical clown. Figuratively used to describe someone who is seen as a laughingstock or who demeans themselves through foolish behaviour. Unlike the English 'clown,' 小丑 is almost always derogatory when applied to real people.

Examples

1. 他在严肃的学术辩论中出言不逊，被同行视为一个不折不扣的小丑。 He spoke rudely during a serious academic debate and was seen by his peers as an absolute clown.
2. 马戏团的小丑穿着色彩斑斓的戏服，逗得台下的孩子们哈哈大笑。 The circus clown, dressed in brightly colored costume, had the children in the audience laughing out loud.
3. 政客为了博取眼球，不惜将自己塑造成小丑形象，令人叹为观止。 To grab attention, the politician will even turn himself into a clown, which is really something to behold.

Usage Guide

Context: entertainment, criticism, politics

Tone: derogatory

Do Say

• 这位官员在新闻发布会上的失态表现让他沦为网络上的笑柄，被称为政坛小丑。(The official's loss of composure at the press conference reduced him to an internet laughingstock, branded a political clown.)
• 舞台上的小丑尽管滑稽可笑，却以精湛的技艺传达出深刻的人生哲理。(The clown on stage, though comic, conveyed profound life philosophy through masterful skill.)

Don't Say

• 他是个可爱的小丑 — 小丑 applied to a real person is almost always derogatory; use 开心果 or 幽默的人 for someone who is amusingly funny in a positive way

Origin & History

小 (small/lesser) + 丑 (ugly/clown role in traditional opera) — a minor comic role; the clown character in classical Chinese theatre

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal