French word

guignol

Pronunciation

IPA/giɲɔl/

Meaning

  • masculine nounfool

Example

Ne fais pas le guignol en public.

Don't act the fool in public.

Illustration for guignol (fool)

More examples

Les collègues l'ont traité de guignol après son erreur.

His colleagues called him a fool after his mistake.

Core concept

Someone whose awkward antics make them look like a ridiculous fool.

Common phrases

  • jouer les guignols

    clown around

  • faire le guignol

    act the fool

Similar words

farceur: A prankster who amuses others by teasing them and playing practical jokes.
pitre: An amusing clown who livens up conversation or a performance with antics.
charlot: A bungling, awkward person who is not trusted because of their behavior.

Definition in French

Personne qui, par son comportement ridicule ou maladroit, donne l'impression d'être naïve ou stupide; terme familier.

Word origin

Named after Guignol, the Lyon puppet character created by Laurent Mourguet, the word later developed a familiar figurative sense for a foolish person.

Usage tips

  • Guignol is masculine, so the indefinite form is un guignol even when it refers to a person.

Other meanings

  • clownnoun

Related words

  • guignoladefoolish anticsnoun

Word lists with this word