Ridiculed: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'ridere', meaning 'to laugh'.
• The term evolved through Old French before entering the English language during the late 16th century.
• The first recorded use in English dates back to 1560, highlighting its long-standing presence in the language.

Psychology

• Being ridiculed can lead to feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
• Psychological studies show that constant teasing impacts social behavior and can lead to social anxiety.
• Children who are ridiculed might struggle with forming friendships later in life.

Literature

• In many classic novels, characters face ridicule as a way to highlight social inequalities, such as in 'Pride and Prejudice'.
• Drama and comedy often use ridicule to create tension or humor, reflecting societal norms and flaws.
• Poets like Alexander Pope have explored themes of ridicule as a sharp critique of human folly in their satirical works.

Pop Culture

• Media portrays ridicule as a common element in sitcoms, where characters often face humorous but painful mockery.
• Online bullying often involves ridicule, emphasizing the need for digital empathy.
• Shows like 'America's Got Talent' can feature both encouragement and ridicule, showcasing how public opinion can shift quickly.

Sociology

• Ridicule can serve as a social control mechanism, reinforcing norms by shame.
• In group dynamics, those who ridicule others may alter power hierarchies, stabilizing their own status within a community.
• Cultural differences influence what is considered ridicule; humor that is normal in one culture may be offensive in another.

With rank #16,519, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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