Clown

GOOF

Think of a slang term for someone who acts silly or makes mistakes, often used playfully in sports or casual talk. It’s short and starts with a hard "G" sound.

Clown" hints at someone silly or comedic, and "goof" is a casual term for a foolish or funny person. The wordplay is straightforward—both words describe someone who acts in a playful, ridiculous way. Think of a goofball or a clown at a circus; they’re essentially the same idea. The answer fits because it’s a shorter, slang version of the clue’s meaning.