Clowns are comic performers, stereotypically characterized by their colored wigs, stylistic makeup, outlandish costumes, and unusually large footwear. Clowning, in its most basic form, can be described as one form of drama without a fourth wall, however there are other types of drama that are lacking the element of a fourth wall as well. In other words, a clown acknowledges his audience. The clown's humor today is often visual and includes many elements of physical comedy or slapstick humor.Clowns spread in cultures of any time and place, because they meet some deeply rooted needs in humanity: violation of taboos, the mockery of sacred and profane authorities and symbols, reversal of language and action, and a ubiquitous obscenity.[1] An interesting example can be found in the Native American clown societies.小丑是喜剧表演者之一,常见於舞台、马戏团、综艺节目、嘉年华、儿童节目及生日会等。他们表演时,多穿著特大鞋子及奇装异服,其脸部也经涂装,尤以鼻子部分较为突出。这些化装务求为观众带来欢笑。通常小丑都会以自身出糗来娱乐观众。小丑是吸引儿童的表演者之一,美国连锁快餐店麦当劳的形象大使——「麦当劳叔叔」,便是以小丑造型出现,十分受小朋友们欢迎,因而吸引了不少儿童光顾。 另外虚拟英雄人物蝙蝠侠里头最著名大反派就是小丑。