Ridiculer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ridiculer

[rɪˈdɪkjʊlər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in social situations

A person who mocks or makes fun of others by imitating them in a sarcastic or exaggerated way, often to belittle or humiliate them.

Synonyms

mocker, ridiculous person, taunter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ridiculer	Use 'ridiculer' when referring to someone who frequently makes fun of others in a dismissive or mocking way, often undermining their confidence. She didn't like being around John; he was such a ridiculer and always made her feel small
mocker	A 'mocker' is someone who imitates or mimics others in a way that is meant to be amusing but often ends up being hurtful or disrespectful. The kids were annoyed by Tom, the mocker, who mimicked their voices and gestures every day
taunter	A 'taunter' refers to someone who provokes or teases others in a cruel or mocking way. This term typically has a negative connotation. The taunter wouldn't stop until his victim was in tears
ridiculous person	A 'ridiculous person' is someone whose behavior or actions are laughable or absurd, often unintentionally providing amusement to others. Everyone thought he was a ridiculous person for wearing a bathing suit to the formal dinner

Examples of usage

The ridiculer at the party made everyone feel uncomfortable with his cruel jokes.
She was known as the office ridiculer for her habit of teasing coworkers in front of others.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in a conversation

To mock or make fun of someone by imitating them in a sarcastic or exaggerated way, often with the intention of belittling or humiliating them.

Synonyms

mock, taunt, tease.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mock	Used when imitating someone in a way that intends to entertain, make fun of, or insult. Generally has a negative connotation. He mocked his friend’s way of speaking, making everyone else laugh. The comedy show often mocks popular celebrities.
taunt	Used when provoking or challenging someone with insulting or contemptuous remarks. Carries a strong negative tone. The opposing team taunted our players throughout the game. She couldn't stand the taunts from her classmates about her new haircut.
tease	Used when playfully making fun of someone, often light-heartedly and without intending real harm. However, it can be negative if overdone or unwanted. They teased him gently about his new glasses. She always teases her brother about his funny dance moves.

Word

Description / Examples

mock

Used when imitating someone in a way that intends to entertain, make fun of, or insult. Generally has a negative connotation.

He mocked his friend’s way of speaking, making everyone else laugh.
The comedy show often mocks popular celebrities.

taunt

Used when provoking or challenging someone with insulting or contemptuous remarks. Carries a strong negative tone.

The opposing team taunted our players throughout the game.
She couldn't stand the taunts from her classmates about her new haircut.

tease

Used when playfully making fun of someone, often light-heartedly and without intending real harm. However, it can be negative if overdone or unwanted.

They teased him gently about his new glasses.
She always teases her brother about his funny dance moves.

Examples of usage

He ridiculed her accent, causing her to feel self-conscious about speaking.
The comedian ridiculed the politician's speech, pointing out all the flaws in a humorous way.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Mocking others can often stem from an individual's own insecurities and the desire to feel superior.
Studies show that individuals who ridicule may do so unintentionally as a defense mechanism to cope with their self-doubt.
Excessive ridicule can lead to negative effects on mental health for both the ridiculer and the target, increasing feelings of depression and anxiety.

Pop Culture

Comedy shows often feature characters that are ridiculers, using humor to highlight social issues.
Stand-up comedians frequently use ridicule as a tool to address controversial topics, creating a space for discussion while evoking laughter.
Famous works like 'The Office' utilize ridiculing humor in character interactions to depict everyday workplace scenarios.

Literature

In classic literature, characters often use mockery to highlight flaws in society or individuals, such as in Shakespeare's plays.
Satirical novels, like 'Gulliver's Travels', employ ridicule to critique political and social norms, making serious points through humor.
Authors like Mark Twain are known for their clever use of ridicule to expose the absurdities of human behavior.

History

Ridicule has been a form of protest throughout history, where satire was used to challenge authority figures.
Political cartoons, which employ ridicule, have played significant roles in shaping public opinion during major historical movements.
Historical figures such as Oscar Wilde wielded ridicule astutely, challenging societal norms of their time through wit.

Origin of 'ridiculer'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'ridere', which means 'to laugh'.
In French, 'ridicule' means 'to make fun' and it's where the English term 'ridicule' is derived from.
The suffix '-er' indicates a person who carries out an action, so a 'ridiculer' is someone who laughs at others.

The word 'ridiculer' originates from the French word 'ridicule', which means to laugh at or mock. It first appeared in English in the 17th century, derived from the Latin 'ridiculus', meaning laughable or ridiculous. Over time, the term has evolved to describe someone who mocks or makes fun of others in a belittling or humiliating way.