The clown seeks to make people laugh.
Clown is a term in the English language that can be translated as "clown" . The concept is accepted by the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ), which includes it in its dictionary .
According to the RAE , a circus clown can be called a clown. However, the entity clarifies that the notion is usually used specifically for the one who makes up a couple with the august .
What is a clown
Taking the definition of the RAE , we can understand what a clown is from the analysis of other related ideas. First, it should be considered that a clown is a circus performer who usually wears extravagant makeup , a wig , and very colorful clothing . The clown seeks to entertain with his appearance, but also with his gestures, his expressions and his actions.
Clowns usually work in a circus . The show that includes the participation of tightrope walkers, jugglers, clowns, etc. is called a circus. The name is also used with respect to the tent where the functions are carried out.
Returning to the concept of clown, the RAE emphasizes that this is the name above all for the clown with an air of seriousness who performs a routine alongside the august. The august, unlike the clown, stands out for his joking attitude.
History of clowns
It is estimated that the origin of clowns or clowns dates back to Ancient Egypt . In China , centuries before Christ, they were part of the caravans of the royal court.
In the Roman Empire , meanwhile, clowns participated in comedies . A little closer in time, already in the 16th century , they were in charge of entertaining European monarchs.
In some cases, the clown is an evil character.
The clown in the circus
The prominence of clowns in the circus begins in the 18th century . From entertaining the intermediate acts they went on to become central actors.
Nowadays, the clown not only works in the circus. It can also be part of street performances , plays and television programs .
a stereotype
It is important to mention that the clown's role is stereotyped : that is, it is repeated without major variations. There are not many differences between the performance of a clown from a certain circus and another, or even between the street clown and the theater clown.
The premise of clowning is to entertain the public, making them laugh. Their acts can range from simple pranks to stunts and humorous monologues or dialogues.
In some cases, the clown's performance includes social criticism . There are clowns who appeal to sarcasm or irony to develop a satire, making fun of everyday life or certain people (such as politicians or members of the upper class of society).
The evil clown and coulrophobia
Although the clown is a character associated with humor and entertainment, it can also acquire another connotation depending on the context. In different books and movies, villains are shown committing all kinds of atrocities in clown costumes.
The greatest exponents of the evil clown are the Joker ( Batman 's nemesis) and Pennywise (the "It" monster ). These characters contributed to the development of coulrophobia or phobia of clowns .
Beyond fictional stories, negative experiences with clowns in childhood and the fact that clowns hide their real faces behind makeup and wigs also contribute to coulrophobia.