Jeered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜
Add to dictionary

jeered

[dส’ษชrd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

mocking remarks

To jeer means to make fun of someone in a rude or mocking manner, often in a public context. It usually involves shouting or speaking derisively about a person or group, often to belittle them. This action can create a hostile atmosphere and is typically seen as a form of bullying. Jeering is commonly associated with sports events, political rallies, or other public gatherings where people express their opinions vocally.

Synonyms

deride, mock, ridicule, scoff, taunt.

Examples of usage

  • The crowd jeered at the opposing team after their missed goal.
  • He jeered at her for her mistakes in the presentation.
  • The audience began to jeer when the performance fell flat.
  • They jeered at the politicianโ€™s promises during the speech.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Notable literary works, such as 'Lord of the Flies' by William Golding, illustrate the concept of jeering as a depiction of bullying among children.
  • Poets like T.S. Eliot have employed the act of jeering to symbolize societal discontent in their critiques of culture.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters often jeer at one another to highlight social rivalries and personal conflicts.

Psychology

  • Studies show that when individuals jeer, it may reflect deeper insecurities or a need to feel superior over others.
  • Jeering can exacerbate feelings of isolation among targets, leading to long-term psychological effects like low self-esteem.
  • Social psychologists note that in-group dynamics often encourage jeering as a form of bonding among members while ostracizing others.

Pop Culture

  • Jeering is prevalent in sports events, where fans sometimes mock opposing teams to intimidate them and boost their own team's morale.
  • In reality TV shows, contestants often jeer at each other, creating drama that attracts viewers and boosts ratings.
  • Comedian routines often involve jeering at societal norms, using humor to critique and challenge prevailing ideologies.

Origin of 'jeered'

Main points about word origin

  • The origin of 'jeer' can be traced back to the 15th century, derived from the Middle English term 'jeren', meaning to mock.
  • Related words include 'jeer' and 'jeers', often involving a sense of ridicule or scorn over time.
  • In older contexts, the term was frequently used in sports and public gatherings where spectators would shout negative remarks.

The word 'jeer' has its origins in the early 16th century, derived from the Middle English 'gere', which means to mock or deride. This Middle English term is believed to have originated from the Old French 'guerre', meaning to mock or make fun of. Over the centuries, the use of 'jeer' evolved to encompass a broader range of derisive behavior, often highlighting societal or cultural disapproval. The word has been consistently used in literary and spoken contexts, especially in descriptions of sports rivalries, political commentary, and social interactions where mockery is prevalent. The consistent theme across its usage is the act of belittling someone else, often to provoke a reaction or to express discontent.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,265, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.