clowned about
Played the buffoon
Clowned about means to behave playfully or foolishly, not taking things seriously: We clowned about during rehearsal until the director got angry.
The phrase suggests goofing off or acting silly, often when seriousness would be more appropriate.
British variant of clowned around.
- mimedActed without speaking
- made facesDistorted features deliberately
- jestedSpoke humorously, not seriously
- cavortedMoved playfully, energetically
- frolickedPlayed in lively way
fooled around · monkeyed around · impersonated · pranked · goofed off · horsed around · caricatured · bantered · cracked jokes · parodied · played around · slapstick · broke the ice · chuckled · teased · juggled · acted out · giggle
productivity and purpose
clowned aboutbuckled down
Began working earnestly
knuckled down · got down to business · applied oneself · concentrated · labored
clown, clowned, clowning, clowns, clownish, clownishly, clownishness, about