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Teasing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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teasing

[หˆtiหzษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

playful behavior

Teasing is a form of playful behavior in which one person intentionally provokes or annoys another person in a lighthearted or good-natured way. It often involves making jokes, witty remarks, or engaging in light-hearted banter.

Synonyms

banter, joking, mocking.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
teasing

Teasing is used when you are playfully making fun of someone in a light-hearted way. It involves gentle humor and is not meant to hurt the other person's feelings.

  • She was teasing her brother about his new haircut, but he knew she wasn't serious
banter

Banter is light, playful, and friendly exchange of teasing remarks. It's often mutual and keeps the conversation lively without any real intention of offending.

  • The banter between the friends at the dinner table made everyone laugh throughout the meal
joking

Joking can be used in any situation where something funny or amusing is said. It is broad and can include anything from puns to sarcasm, as long as the intention is to entertain or amuse.

  • He was joking when he said he saw a UFO last night; everyone knew he was just trying to make them laugh
mocking

Mocking has a more negative tone and is used when someone is making fun of someone else in a scornful or derisive manner. It is meant to belittle or scorn someone.

  • She felt hurt when her classmates started mocking her for her accent

Examples of usage

  • He enjoys engaging in teasing with his friends.
  • She couldn't help but smile at his teasing comments.
Context #2 | Verb

provoking in a playful way

To tease means to provoke or annoy someone in a playful or light-hearted manner. It involves intentionally making jokes, witty remarks, or engaging in banter with the goal of eliciting a reaction from the other person.

Synonyms

annoy, banter, provoke.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
teasing

Used when someone playfully makes fun of another person in a light-hearted manner. It's not meant to harm but to share a joke.

  • She was teasing her friend about his new haircut.
  • They spent the evening teasing each other about their favorite sports teams.
provoke

Used when someone intentionally tries to elicit a strong reaction, often negative, from another person. It implies a deliberate act to incite anger or discomfort.

  • He tried to provoke her by mocking her ideas.
  • The rude comments were meant to provoke a reaction from the crowd.
annoy

Used when someone is doing something that causes irritation or frustration to another person. It has a slightly negative connotation.

  • The constant noise from the construction site really annoyed the neighbors.
  • His habit of interrupting people during meetings annoyed everyone.
banter

Used when there is a friendly, witty exchange of remarks, usually between friends or close acquaintances. It's often humorous and light-hearted.

  • Their banter made the long car ride much more enjoyable.
  • The two colleagues engaged in banter every morning over coffee.

Examples of usage

  • He likes to tease his little sister by hiding her toys.
  • She teased him about his new haircut.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that mild teasing can strengthen friendships and create a sense of belonging among peers.
  • However, excessive teasing or aggressive teasing can lead to negative feelings and even bullying, impacting mental health.

Pop Culture

  • Teasing is a common theme in movies and TV shows, where it often highlights friendship dynamics, especially among children and teenagers.
  • Popular characters like the playful trickster in many works of fiction highlight how teasing can add humor and connection.

Communication

  • Teasing often relies on tone and context; friends might tease each other about quirks, but it can misfire if the relationship is less familiar.
  • Cultural norms can influence the acceptability of teasing; what is playful in one culture may be offensive in another.

Literature

  • Many classic novels feature teasing as a way to develop character relationships, such as in Jane Austen's works, where characters often engage in playful banter.
  • Poetry sometimes uses teasing to explore themes of love and friendship, illustrating the complex emotions behind light-hearted comments.

Origin of 'teasing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French word 'teser,' meaning to pull or to stretch, which reflects the playful nature of the act.
  • Teasing has been a part of language and interaction for centuries, as seen in literary works dating back to the Middle Ages.

The word 'teasing' originated from the Old English word tรฆsan, which meant to pull or pluck. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the idea of provoking or annoying someone in a playful manner. Teasing has been a common form of social interaction among friends and family for centuries, often used to bond and create a sense of camaraderie through light-hearted banter.

See also: teaser, teasingly.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,369, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.