The Infidel

LONDON (Reuters) - Bad news for Coco and Blinko -- children don't like clowns and even older kids are scared of them.

The news that will no doubt have clowns shedding tears was revealed in a poll of youngsters by researchers from the University of Sheffield who were examining how to improve the decor of hospital children's wards.

The study, reported in the Nursing Standard magazine, found all the 250 patients aged between four and 16 they quizzed disliked the use of clowns, with even the older ones finding them scary.

"As adults we make assumptions about what works for children," said Penny Curtis, a senior lecturer in research at the university.

"We found that clowns are universally disliked by children. Some found them quite frightening and unknowable."

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That last quote was the best.

movie diva

I hate clowns they are teh EVIL

Mankal

If you're gonna hide your face behind makeup and wigs, you might as well wear a hockey mask.

Mopower

DOWN HERE WE ALL FLOAT!!!

pinata242

Save Ferris

I actually think its sad that a once innocent institution has become macabre and evil. Lots of decent caring comedians wanted nothing more than to just be funny and silly in front of a crowd are now demonized.

atlantamoi

"Some found them quite .... unknowable."

That always made me pee my pants.

CKMorpheus

Gambit

Yeah, there seems to be a universal hatred for clowns and their cousins, the mimes. Although kids really like McDonald's though...

Kittydreamer

The Infidel

ukywyldcat

james2025a

I don't think it is so much being scared by them, i think it has more to do with the fact that they are talentless, unfunny and outdated. I think if i were ever to see a clown in front of me i would kick him in the balls.

mllefoo

I never liked clowns. My mom used to hire this clown named Koo Koo for neighborhood parties, and I'd always plead with her not to. She thought I was the only one who hated the thing when it showed up in its evil clown car, and made evil balloon animals that would pop, and scare us.

I think my mom secretly hated me.

mh4268

Ah reminds me of the time when I stole a cassette from my friends car who is afraid of clowns. Had my brother record "they all float down here Dan, they all float down here" in pennywise's voice . He eventually put the tape in and got scared shitless, almost hit a tree. Good times, good times...

devilshalo

General Zod

Save Ferris

clowns really cheer up a place

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Abelkems

tasha99

Today's clown fact: A hundred years ago, Enrico Caruso's rendition of Vesti la giubba was the first recording to sell a million copies. So while it appears clowns have always been evil, they at least used to be popular. (If you can believe Wikipedia that is . . . )

grundle, do you have an update?

Mopower

Somebody hold me.

calhoun07

I always hated clowns as a kid.

The quote I find curious is how adults make assumptions about children. I guess I am in a rare place in life...I seem to really recall quite well that I hated those stupid ass looking people when I was a kid. Who are these adults that seem to just disregard or completely forget that they also hated clowns when they were kids and just assume their kids are going to like them?

Freaking Santa's "helpers" is another stupid ass tradition that needs to go away.

calhoun07

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crazyronin

Minor Threat

My wife still hates clowns.....