Ridiculed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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ridiculed
[ˈrɪdɪˌkjuːld ]
Definition
mocking someone
Ridiculed means to make fun of someone or something in a dismissive or mocking way. It often implies that the person being ridiculed is subjected to laughter or scorn, often in a public way. This behavior can cause emotional harm to those who are targeted.
Synonyms
derided, mocked, scorned, taunted.
Examples of usage
- The comedian ridiculed the celebrity in his latest show.
- She felt ridiculed by her peers for her unusual ideas.
- He was ridiculed for his clumsiness during the presentation.
- The politician was ridiculed in the media for his controversial statements.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'ridiculed'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'ridiculed' originates from the Latin word 'ridere', which means 'to laugh'. This root evolved through the Old French term 'ridiculer', meaning 'to laugh at' or 'to make fun of'. The shift into English usage occurred in the late 15th century when it began to be used in literary contexts to describe the act of mocking or making jest of someone. Over time, 'ridiculed' has retained much of its original meaning, signifying the act of laughing at someone in a derisive or contemptuous manner. It has become a common term in various contexts, including literature, everyday conversation, and social discourse, especially in the discussions around bullying and social dynamics.