A inappropriate question, typically dripping with either intentional or moronic douchebaggery, and usually posed by an actual douchebag.
A clown question is best met with the following retort, coined by Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals on June 13, 2012, in response to a clown question posed by a Toronto TV reporter: "That's a clown question, bro."
Toronto TV Reporter to Bryce Harper (a 19-year-old Major League Baseball rooking phenom whose Mormonreligion forbids the drinking of alcohol and, moreover, whose age makes it illegal to drink in the United States): "You got a favorite beer?"
Bryce Harper: "I'm not answering that. That's a clown question, bro."
Comes from the phrase "That's a clown question, bro." which was spoken by professional baseball player Bryce Harper. It means to ask a question, that without prior knowledge on the subject makes you look like an idiot.
"Bryce are you going out for a beer after the game?"- Reporter
"I'm not answering that. That's a clown question, bro."-Bryce
"You know he's a Mormon, right?"- PR rep to reporter
An irrelevant question meant to inspire a moment of comedy that is quickly labeled and dismissed, usually with the assistance of a carefully placed usage of the word "bro."
Reporter: Bryce, will you be taking advantage of the lower drinking age while in Canada?
Bryce Harper: That's a clownquestion, bro.
Toronto TV Reporter to Bryce Harper (a 19-year-old Major League Baseball rooking phenom whose Mormonreligion forbids the drinking of alcohol and, moreover, whose age makes it illegal to drink in the United States): "You got a favorite beer?"
Bryce Harper: "I'm not answering that. That's a clown question, bro."
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A reporter to First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln (immediately after her husband -- President Abraham Lincoln -- was murdered by an assassin's bullet during the performance of a play at which Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln were in attendance): "Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play?"
Mrs. Lincoln: "That's a clown question, bro. Get outta here with that shit."