The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word CLOWNS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
C
L
O
W
N
S
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "idiotic people" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case idiotic people = clowns.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does CLOWNS mean?
CLOWNS noun- A slapstick performance artist often associated with a circus and usually characterized by bright, oversized clothing, a red nose, face paint, and a brightly colored wig.
- A person who acts in a silly fashion.
- A stupid person.
- A man of coarse nature and manners; an awkward fellow; an illbred person; a boor.
- One who works upon the soil; a rustic; a churl; a yokel.
- To act in a silly or playful fashion.
- To ridicule.