Ridiculing: meaning, definitions and examples

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ridiculing

[rɪˈdɪkjʊlɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in a conversation

To mock or make fun of someone or something in a cruel or harsh manner, often in front of others. Ridiculing can be hurtful and damaging to a person's self-esteem.

Synonyms

mocking, taunting, teasing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ridiculing	Use when you want to make someone or something seem foolish or unworthy of respect. Ridiculing often has a harsh, dismissive tone. She was ridiculing his ideas in front of the whole team. The comedian was ridiculing the latest fashion trends.
mocking	Use when you mimic or parody someone in a way that shows scorn or derision. Mocking often has a mean-spirited or sarcastic tone. He kept mocking her accent, which made her feel uncomfortable. The kids were mocking their teacher's strict rules.
taunting	Use when you challenge or provoke someone by making hurtful remarks or gestures. Taunting is more aggressive and intended to incite anger or reaction. The bully was taunting the new student by calling him names. Fans from the rival team were taunting the players on the field.
teasing	Use when you playfully provoke or irritate someone. Teasing can be more light-hearted and friendly, but it can also be hurtful if not done with good intentions. He was just teasing her about her new haircut. They were teasing him about his crush, but he knew it was all in good fun.

Examples of usage

Stop ridiculing him, it's not funny anymore.
She felt embarrassed after being ridiculed in front of her classmates.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

on social media

To publicly mock or criticize someone or something online, often with the intention of causing embarrassment or humiliation. Ridiculing on social media can have lasting effects on a person's reputation.

Synonyms

mocking, shaming, trolling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ridiculing	Ridiculing is used when someone is making fun of another person to show they are foolish or silly. It often includes sarcasm or exaggeration. She was ridiculing his idea by making exaggerated facial expressions The comedian was ridiculing the politician's speech
mocking	Mocking is used to imitate someone in a way that makes them look silly or stupid. It can be used in a playful manner or to insult someone. He was mocking her accent during the party The students were mocking their teacher behind his back
shaming	Shaming is used to embarrass someone and make them feel guilty or inferior. It often involves a public display and has a very negative connotation. The leader was shaming the member for not meeting the deadline Online shaming has become a common issue on social media
trolling	Trolling is used to provoke or upset people on the internet by posting inflammatory or off-topic messages. It is typically done for amusement and has a negative connotation. He was trolling other users in the online forum Many celebrities have experienced trolling on their social media accounts

Examples of usage

The celebrity was ridiculed on Twitter for his controversial statement.
Cyberbullying often involves ridiculing others through posts and comments.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

in a group setting

The act of making fun of someone or something in a mean-spirited or contemptuous way, usually for amusement or to assert superiority. Ridiculing can create a toxic environment and hurt relationships.

Synonyms

derision, mockery, scorn.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ridiculing	Used when someone is being laughed at or made fun of in a way that is hurtful or insulting. It often involves critiquing or belittling someone's ideas or actions. They were ridiculing his new haircut all day. She felt hurt because her colleagues were ridiculing her presentation.
mockery	Used when someone is imitated or copied in an exaggerated way to make them look foolish. It can be humorous but also hurtful. His bad singing became a subject of mockery among his friends. The movie was a mockery of historical events.
derision	Implying a sense of deep contempt or disapproval, often used in more formal or literary contexts. It involves being treated with disdain or laughed at scornfully. Their plan was met with derision by the board. He cried out in derision when he heard the absurd proposal.
scorn	Highlights a stronger sense of judgment and disdain, often with a tone of superiority. It communicates a complete lack of respect. She looked at him with scorn when he suggested the absurd idea. His opinions were met with open scorn by his peers.

Examples of usage

The constant ridiculing in the office made it a stressful place to work.
He used ridicule as a way to belittle others and boost his own ego.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'ridicule' comes from the Latin 'ridiculus', meaning 'laughable'.
It entered Middle English in the late 16th century, used to describe mockery or scorn.
Originally, it was associated with laughter, but over time, it gained a more negative connotation.

Psychology

Research suggests that ridiculing can lead to feelings of shame and decreased self-esteem in victims.
Some studies indicate that people may engage in ridicule to establish social status or dominance over others.
Exposure to ridicule in childhood can affect interpersonal relationships and mental health in adulthood.

Literature

Many famous works, like Shakespeare's plays, use ridicule as a tool to highlight human folly.
Authors like Mark Twain often used satire, a form of ridicule, to criticize society and politics effectively.
Ridiculing is a common theme in satire, where serious issues are discussed by using humor and mockery.

Pop Culture

Television shows like 'Saturday Night Live' regularly employ ridicule to entertain audiences through comedy sketches.
Social media platforms often amplify ridicule, with memes and jokes targeting public figures and trends.
In contemporary culture, ridiculing is sometimes seen as a form of 'roasting', where friends mock each other in a playful manner.

Social Dynamics

Ridiculing can create in-groups and out-groups, leading to social divisions and conflicts.
In some contexts, it can serve as a bonding mechanism among peers, making fun of shared experiences.
Conversely, it can also lead to bullying, highlighting the thin line between playful teasing and harmful ridicule.

Translations

Translations of the word "ridiculing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ridicularizar

🇮🇳 उपहास करना

🇩🇪 verspotten

🇮🇩 mengejek

🇺🇦 насміхатися

🇵🇱 wyśmiewać

🇯🇵 嘲笑する

🇫🇷 ridiculiser

🇪🇸 ridiculizar

🇹🇷 alay etmek

🇰🇷 조롱하다

🇸🇦 يسخر

🇨🇿 zesměšňovat

🇸🇰 zosmiešňovať

🇨🇳 嘲笑

🇸🇮 posmehovati

🇮🇸 gera grín af

🇰🇿 мазақ ету

🇬🇪 განცალკევება

🇦🇿 lağa qoymaq

🇲🇽 ridiculizar

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,426, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
27423 substantiating
27424 lovelier
27425 harbouring
27426 ridiculing
27427 metallurgist
27428 daemon
27429 quizzical
...