clowning

clown about

slang To joke, play, or otherwise behave in a silly, careless way. A less common variant of "clown around." I can see you boys clowning about back there! Sit down and do the math problems I assigned. The kids are fine. They're just clowning about with each other in the back yard.
See also: clown

clown around

slang To joke, play, or otherwise behave in a silly way. I can see you boys clowning around back there! Sit down and do the math problems I assigned. The kids are just clowning around with each other in the back yard, if you want to call them for dinner.
See also: around, clown
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

clown around (with someone)

Fig. to join with someone in acting silly; [for two or more people] to act silly together. The boys were clowning around with each other. The kids are having fun clowning around.
See also: around, clown
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

clown around

in. to act silly; to mess around. We were just clowning around. We didn’t mean to break anything.
See also: around, clown
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • clown about
  • clown around
  • take the Michael (out of someone or something)
  • take the mike (out of someone or something)
  • collect around
  • collect around (someone or something)
  • collected
  • heaven helps those who help themselves
  • goofus
  • goopus
References in periodicals archive
Medical clowning has also been put to good use in the treatment of people with drug dependency.
Healing through laughter
Millie " Millie said: "We do practise a bit at home, but mum says no clowning in the house!
BIG SHOES TO FILL! CLOWN 'BIBBLEDY BOB' KEEPS IT IN FAMILY AS DAUGHTER 'SILLY MILLIE' FOLLOWS SUIT
It's not only important to be there, but it's also important to be active and get the message out about the importance of clowning," she said.
Beirut-based theater company brings joy and laughter to Syrian refugees' lives
we assume only passing familiarity with clowning. In order to
CLOWN EGGS
Foundation for Laughter in Dallas, Texas has two primary functions, according to Co-Founder Tiffany Riley The first is to train and develop hospital clowning programs and, two, to teach math and science through circus arts in schools.
Creepy clowning no laughing matter
While this is a good thing, the consequence of such ban has had repercussions on the folks who have made a living clowning all their lives!
Clowning or Bullying?
For a full list of Clowning Around activities this week and for the schedule, visit www.sevenstories.org.uk /whats-on
KIDS GET 'JESTER' BIT OF FUN AT TOP TYNESIDE BOOK EMPORIUM
Clowning: that which is both activity and condition, an infinite play of logics and problems, irresolvable, and yet--Huzza!
Coover's Punch
LEOMINSTER - Donna Featherstone, aka Blinkee the Clown, found herself clowning around.
Clowning is a way of life for `Blinkee' creator; Fate led to crafting persona
It's a tough life for them, but the convention tries to maintain high standards of clowning.
Mexico City hosts clown convention
The English Clown Tradition from the Middle Ages to Shakespeare is a fascinating book filled with important revelations about the significant functions clowning played in the religious and political discourse of early modern England.
Robert Hornback. The English Clown Tradition from the Middle Ages to Shakespeare
We gently introduce ourselves, explain the art of clowning, perhaps even help the person to discover their own inner clown."
Frightened by clowns? We're here to help
PUPILS at a Gateshead school enjoyed clowning around in class.
YOUNGSTERS HAVE FUN JUST CLOWNING AROUND
"It can't all be about clowning, we'll do whatever people want us to do.
PUTTING THE FUN INTO FUNERAL; EXCLUSIVE Clowns firm gives you the chance to have the last laugh
He needs to understand that there is a time and a place for clowning around.
The class clown