bozo

Etymology

Attested since the 1910s in American English, of uncertain origin. The term may derive from Spanish bozal, a term originally for a recently-imported slave and then "someone who speaks (Spanish) poorly". The term is older than Bozo the Clown, introduced in 1946. Derivation of the term from French bouseux /bu.zø/, a derogative term for a farmer equivalent to "bumpkin", is phonologically problematic. Another possibility is Japanese 坊主 (bōzu) in its meaning of "young man", which can be derogatory, depending on the context.

noun

1. (slang) A stupid, foolish, or ridiculous person, especially a man.
   ‘What’s the big bozo up to?’ 1932, Delos W. Lovelace, King Kong, published 1965, page 51