Ever found yourself scratching your head, wondering, "What is that thing called"? You're not alone. Today, we're diving into the world of 'clown' names—yes, those colorful characters you find at circuses, parties, and sometimes, even in your child's nightmares. Let's explore what gets them giggling and us scratching our chins.
Clowns have been a staple of entertainment since ancient times, evolving from jesters and fools who entertained royalty. Over the centuries, they've found their way into our circuses, parades, and even our children's stories. But what do we call them? The answer might surprise you.
From Jester to Clown: A namesake journey
The term 'clown' itself is derived from the Latin 'clunis', meaning 'buttocks', referring to the significant backside of jesters. However, it wasn't until the 17th century that the word 'clown' was used to describe a rural fool performing buffoonery. It wasn't until the late 18th century that the term 'clown' was used to describe a circus performer.
But what about the more specific types of clowns? Let's take a look at some of them:
Auguste Clowns
Auguste clowns are the large, bumbling, whiteface-clad performers we often associate with the term 'clown'. Their name comes from the French word 'auguste', meaning 'most sublime' or 'most excelled', ironically contrasting their comedic buffoonery. They often serve as the foil to the more skilled, elegant Whiteface clowns.
Examples of Auguste clowns include Ko-Ko the Clown from the Marx Brothers' film, "Animal Crackers", and the iconic duo of Auguste and Charlie from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
Whiteface Clowns
Whiteface clowns are the elegant, poised, and skilled performers who often act as the straight men in clown duos. The term 'whiteface' comes from the use of white makeup to create a smooth, exaggerated face. They were popularized by the legendary French clown, Joseph Grimaldi, in the 19th century.
Famous Whiteface clowns include the iconic Emmett Kelly, known for his sorrowful "Weary Willy" character, and Penn and Teller's straight man, Raymond Joseph Teller.
Clown Culture Beyond the Big Top
Clowns have transcended their circus roots and found their way into other forms of entertainment. Let's look at a couple of notable sub-cultures:
First, there are the Silly Symphonies clowns, who were popularized by Disney in the 1930s. They were part of a series of animated short films that explored classical animation techniques and introduced beloved characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. The clowns in these films wore a unique costume and makeup that differed from traditional clown styles.
Another notable sub-culture is the art of clowning. troupes like Mump and Smoot, The Passing Zone, and Doctor Demento have elevated clowning to a high art form. They blend humor, skills like juggling and magic, and often incorporate music and poetry. They've performed at prestigious venues like the Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian Institution.
Clowning Around with Corporate Workshops
Believe it or not, clowns have even found their way into the corporate world. Companies like Second City and IO Theater offer improv-based team-building workshops where professional clowns teach employees communication, collaboration, and creative thinking skills. Participants might find themselves in a game of "Yes, And..." or "Who's Got the Ball?"—exercises designed tono get teams out of their comfort zones and onto the same page.
These workshops might not turn CEOs into the next Criss Angel, but they do help to create a more agile, adaptive, and friction-free work environment. Many participants find that the experience of 'letting go' and playing like a kid can have a profound impact on their adult lives.
The Art of the Clown
Clowning isn't just about the laughs; it's also an art form. Clowns have inspired generations of artists, from the surrealists like Joan Miró to contemporary pop artists like Gary Baseman. Clowns have been the subject of countless paintings, sculptures, and even tattoos.
They've also inspired literary works from authors like E.T.A. Hoffmann ("The Sandman"), Stephen King ("It"), andంళr Rick Moody ("Demonology"). These literary clowns often take on more sinister roles, reflecting the dual nature of clowns—as both comedic and frightening figures.
So the next time you find yourself asking, "What is that thing called?" in relation to a clown, remember that you're joining a long line of folks who have been wondering the same thing for centuries. And isn't that just the clownest thing? Now, who's ready to run away and join the circus?