My friends always take the piss out of my cooking.
take the piss
idiomTo tease, ridicule or mock (someone).
Origin
disputed originPossibly from piss-proud (“falsely presenting as successful”). In which case taking the piss out of would mean deflating their false pride, usually through disparagement or mockery. As the piss-proud metaphor became dated, taking the piss out of someone came to refer to disparagement or mockery itself, regardless of the pride of the subject. Eventually the shortened, intransitive form taking the piss became common.
He didn't mean to upset you — he's just taking the piss, like he does with everyone.
The comedian spent half her set taking the piss out of politicians, which the audience loved but the sponsors feared.
- 01
be taken ill
To become ill.
- 02
Brahms
[Cockney slang]pissed
- 03
cat piss
Any beverage of low quality.
- 04
cross to take up
Alternative form of cross to bear.
- 05
forget to take one's medication this morning
To be annoyed or irritable, or to behave in an ill-mannered way, particularly in the morning.
- 06
full of piss and vinegar
Exuberant or enthusiastic, especially to an excessive degree; brazen.
- 07
get taken in
To be fooled; to fall for.
- 08
give and take
A process of compromise or accommodation.
Last updated April 17, 2026