Pronunciation: [klˈa͡ʊnz] (IPA) 
The word "clowns" is spelled /klaʊnz/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The letter combination "ow" is pronounced as the diphthong /aʊ/ which sounds like the vowel sound in "ouch". The letter "s" at the end of the word is pronounced as /z/ because it comes after a vowel sound. This is known as the "voicing" of a consonant. Thus, "clowns" is pronounced as "kla-owns" with the accent on the first syllable.
Clowns are performers known for their colorful costumes, exaggerated makeup, and comedic act. They entertain audiences through a combination of physical comedy, jokes, and gags, often engaging in slapstick and humorous antics to create laughter and amusement.
Traditionally, clowns are characterized by their distinctive features, such as oversized shoes, red noses, big wigs or brightly colored hair, and exaggerated facial expressions. Their make-up usually includes white face paint with exaggerated eyebrows, mouths, and eyes, enhancing their expressions and making them easily recognizable. These exaggerated features, along with their distinctive costumes, help to draw attention and create a larger-than-life presence.
Clowns are seen in various performance settings, including circuses, carnivals, birthday parties, and stage shows. They employ a range of skills, such as juggling, balloon twisting, acrobatics, magic tricks, and pantomime, to capture the attention and amusement of the audience. Their mission is to bring joy and laughter to people of all ages, often engaging in playful interactions with both children and adults.
However, it is important to note that the perception of clowns can vary from person to person. While some individuals find them delightful and entertaining, others may find them unsettling or even fear-inducing, which can be attributed to the portrayal of clowns in certain horror movies and media. Nonetheless, clowns continue to be an iconic and widely recognized figure in the world of entertainment.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "clowns" has an etymology that traces back to the late 16th century. It originated from the Middle English word "cloyne" or "clowne", which referred to a rustic or peasant. This Middle English term derived from the Old English word "clūne", meaning a countryman or knave. The word "clūne" can be further traced back to the Old Norse word "klunni", which referred to a clumsy and boorish person. Ultimately, the origins of "clowns" can be linked to the Old Norse term, highlighting the association of the word with a simple or unrefined person. Over time, "clowns" evolved in meaning and came to represent comedic performers known for their outlandish costumes, makeup, and amusing antics.
