Mock: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿคช
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mock

 

[mษ’k ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a playful or teasing manner

To tease or make fun of someone or something in a playful or light-hearted way.

Synonyms

ridicule, taunt, tease.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mock

Use when imitating someone in a way that makes fun of them. It can be playful or mean.

  • He mocked her singing voice by exaggeratedly mimicking her tone
tease

Use when playfully making fun of someone in a light-hearted, friendly manner. However, it can sometimes be hurtful if done excessively.

  • They always tease him about his quirky habits, but he knows it's all in good fun
ridicule

Use in situations where someone is being made fun of in a mean-spirited or cruel way. It has a negative connotation.

  • They ridiculed his idea in front of the whole team, making him feel stupid
taunt

Use when someone is trying to provoke or upset another person by making hurtful comments or insults. It is often used in a confrontational manner.

  • He taunted her about her failure until she couldn't take it anymore

Examples of usage

  • Stop mocking me, I know you're just joking around.
  • She mocked him for his silly dance moves.
Context #2 | Noun

imitation for ridicule

A copy or imitation of something, especially for the purpose of ridicule.

Synonyms

imitation, mimicry, parody.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mock

Used when making fun of someone or something in a scornful manner. Often involves imitation in a negative or sarcastic way.

  • He mocked her accent during the entire meeting.
  • The kids were mocking their teacher behind his back.
imitation

Refers to the act of copying someone or something. It is neutral and can be used in various contexts, whether positive, negative, or neutral.

  • Her painting is an imitation of an ancient masterpiece.
  • The child's imitation of their parent's behavior is fascinating.
mimicry

Used when noting the action of copying someone's behavior, speech, or actions, often used in a neutral or positive context.

  • The comedian's mimicry of the president was spot-on.
  • Mimicry in animals can be a survival strategy.
parody

Typically involves a humorous or exaggerated imitation of a style, person, or work of art. It is often used in entertainment and satire.

  • The movie is a parody of classic spy films.
  • His parody of pop songs was hilarious.

Examples of usage

  • The parody was a hilarious mock of the popular TV show.
  • Her mock of his accent had everyone laughing.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'mock' comes from the Old Norse word 'mokkr', meaning 'to deride or taunt'.
  • It has been used in the English language since the late 14th century, originally meaning 'to tease or jeer'.
  • In Shakespeare's works, the term was often used to describe actions that belittled or ridiculed characters.

Pop Culture

  • 'Mockumentary' is a popular film and TV genre that parodies documentary filmmaking, seen in shows like 'The Office'.
  • In music, many parody songs, like those by Weird Al Yankovic, mock social issues or pop culture in a humorous way.
  • The phrase 'mock trials' refers to practice court cases where students emulate real trials to learn legal processes.

Psychology

  • Mocking can serve as a defense mechanism, allowing individuals to hide their insecurities by belittling others.
  • Studies show that mocking can create social bonds or hierarchies, as it often reflects group dynamics.
  • It can also be a manifestation of bullying, indicating power imbalances among peers.

Literature

  • In literature, grim mockery is often used to highlight the absurdity of societal norms, as seen in works by Jonathan Swift.
  • Fables and fairy tales frequently utilize characters that mock others, teaching moral lessons through their satire.
  • Authors like Jane Austen employed social mockery to critique the behavior and values of their contemporary society.

Theater

  • Theatrical performances often include 'mock fights' as a comedic element, showcasing exaggerated actions for humor.
  • Satirical plays have a long tradition of mocking political figures, as seen in works like 'The Importance of Being Earnest'.
  • Many comedic roles in theater involve characters who mock the status quo, revealing deeper truths about society.

Translations

Translations of the word "mock" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น zombar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเคœเคผเคพเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช verspotten

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mengejek

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะณะปัƒะทัƒะฒะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ drwiฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‹ใ‚‰ใ‹ใ†

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท se moquer de

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ burlarse de

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท alay etmek

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์กฐ๋กฑํ•˜๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูŠุณุฎุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vysmรญvat se

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vysmievat sa

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ˜ฒ็ฌ‘

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ posmehovati se

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ spotta

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผะฐะทะฐา›ั‚ะฐัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒแƒ“แƒแƒ™แƒ•แƒ แƒ˜แƒ— แƒกแƒแƒฃแƒ‘แƒแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ laฤŸ etmษ™k

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ burlarse de

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,005, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.