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zany

2 ENTRIES FOUND:

1za·ny

noun \ˈzā-nē\
plural zanies

Definition of ZANY

1
: a subordinate clown or acrobat in old comedies who mimics ludicrously the tricks of the principal : merry-andrew
2
: a slavish follower : toady
3
a : one who acts the buffoon to amuse others

Examples of ZANY

  1. <hired a zany to entertain the children at the birthday party>
  2. <one of the challenges of hosting a radio call-in program is preventing the zanies from completely taking over the discussion>

Origin of ZANY

Italian zanni, a traditional masked clown, from Italian dialect Zanni, nickname for Italian Giovanni John
First Known Use: 1588

Other Performing Arts Terms

diva, dramaturgy, loge, prestidigitation, proscenium, supernumerary

Rhymes with ZANY

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