Spanish word

pintamonas

Pronunciation

IPA/pintaˈmonas/

Meaning

  • noun (m./f.)clown

Example

Ese pintamonas no va en serio.

That clown isn't serious.

Illustration for pintamonas (clown)

More examples

No contrates a alguien que sea un pintamonas.

Don't hire someone who's a clown.

Core concept

Ridiculous show-off who makes a spectacle of their appearance and behavior.

Common phrases

  • ser un pintamonas

    be a clown

  • parecer un pintamonas

    seem like a clown

Similar words

payaso: Stage or street comic who wears makeup and performs physical comedy to make people laugh.
mamarracho: Gaudily dressed oddball whose exaggerated appearance and antics look ridiculous.
bromista: Jokester who uses jokes and gentle pranks to make people laugh.
bobo: Dull-witted, goofy person who behaves naively and appears foolish.

Definition in Spanish

Persona que actúa o se viste de forma exagerada o ridícula para llamar la atención, mostrando poca seriedad.

Word origin

The word joins pintar 'to paint' with mona 'monkey' or 'buffoon', evoking a person who paints or dresses to draw attention.

Usage tips

  • Commonly used to mock or scorn someone rather than to tease gently, so it can easily offend and fits only informal, familiar speech.

Other meanings

  • show-offnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word