# mocking

/ˈmɑkɪŋ/ (US) · /mˈɒkɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mocking
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. making fun of someone

adjective · CEFR B1

making fun of someone or something in a way that shows you do not respect them.

For teachers: expressing derision or contempt through imitation or unkind remarks.

- He gave a mocking smile when I told him about my big plans.
- The critic's mocking tone throughout the review suggested that he found the director's latest effort more laughable than profound.

### 2. teasing

adjective · CEFR B2

teasing someone in a playful but slightly mean way.

For teachers: characterised by playful or taunting imitation, often used in social contexts to challenge someone's status.

- Her friends used a mocking voice to repeat the silly thing she said.
- The siblings maintained a mocking banter throughout dinner, though an outsider might have mistaken their sharp wit for genuine hostility.

### 3. the act of making fun

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the act of making fun of someone or something.

For teachers: the action of expressing contempt or ridicule; the practice of mockery.

- The constant mocking from his classmates made him want to change schools.
- The public mocking of the disgraced politician continued long after he had resigned from his position in the cabinet.

## Examples

- She gave him a mocking look.
- The politician faced mocking comments from the press after his speech.
- His mocking tone suggested he did not take the proposal seriously, which offended the quiet engineer.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.