mock
What does "mock" mean?
To "mock" means to tease, mimic, or make fun of someone or something, often in a way that is unkind or meant to belittle them. The mental image is someone imitating another person's voice or actions in an exaggerated way to make them look foolish, or someone laughing at a person's mistakes. In usage, it can range from playful teasing between close friends to harsh, biting ridicule. It is frequently used in the context of "mocking someone's accent" or "mocking an authority figure." Be careful, as it is almost always perceived as aggressive or disrespectful unless the context is clearly lighthearted joking.
"mock" in conversation
Workplace tension
Did you see him mocking the boss's speech earlier?
Did you see him mocking the boss's speech earlier?
Yeah, that was incredibly unprofessional.
Yeah, that was incredibly unprofessional.
Used to describe a disrespectful imitation.
Playful teasing
Stop mocking my dance moves!
Stop mocking my dance moves!
I can't help it, you look hilarious!
I can't help it, you look hilarious!
Used in a lighthearted, friendly context.
"mock" in a sentence
He mocked my attempt to cook dinner.
He mocked my attempt to cook dinner.
It is cruel to mock people who are different from you.
It is cruel to mock people who are different from you.
The satirical play ruthlessly mocked the political establishment of the era.
The satirical play ruthlessly mocked the political establishment of the era.
