Clown Jargon

Auguste Clown - A clumsy, slapstick clown who wears no traditional costume.

Basket Animal - A costume made with a basket in the middle, looking as if the performer were riding a horse or other animal. Suspenders hold the costume around the performer's waist.

Blow Off - The visual "punchline" of a clown gag.

Boss Clown - The clown responsible for coordinating both the clowns and the various gags in a show.

Caring Clown - Non circus term used to refer to clowns who specialize in hospital visits.

Carpet Clown - A clown who works among the audience.

Harlequin - A clown of the commedia dell'arte who dressed in a diamond-patterned costume and who wore a black mask.

Chase - a quick run around the circus track, usually with one clown literally chasing another

Clown Alley - A group of clowns.

Clown Walkaround - Each clown creates and performs his or her own bit lasting about 30 seconds.

Gag - A basic term to refer to all clown routines -- tricks, stunts, and scenes.

First of May - A novice clown.

Knockabout Act - Comedy act involving physical humor and exaggerated mock violence.

Suitcase Gag - A visual pun that is carried inside of a suitcase and used during walkarounds. The set-up is written on the front and the suitcase is opened to reveal the punchline.