clown around
Be a buffoon
To clown around is to behave in a silly, playful, or mischievous way, often to get laughs or attention: Stop clowning around and finish your homework.
The phrase suggests behavior that's entertaining but not serious—antics that might amuse some and annoy others.
The kids were clowning around in the back seat the whole trip.
- hijinksBoisterous playful mischief
- jokeHumorous statement seeking laughter
- anticLudicrous or playful act
- muck aboutBehave in silly, unproductive ways
- frolicLighthearted playful movement
zaniness · tomfoolery · prank · goofing off · horseplay · buffoonery · caper · play the fool · act the fool · silliness · goof off · mischief · slapstick · jest · wisecrack · have a laugh · monkey · act out
- mischiefmischief, hijinks, antics, pranks, antic
- putting on an actput on an act, pretend, fake it, masquerade, sham
clown aroundact one's age
Behave befitting your years
shape up · straighten up · sober up · pull oneself together · toe the line
clown aroundbuckle down
Apply oneself determinedly
knuckle down · focus · get down to business · concentrate · apply oneself
around, clown, clowning, clowns, clownish, clowned, harlequin