ENGLISH
REFERENCE

roasting

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈɹoʊstɪŋ// UK //ɹˈəʊstɪŋ// roast·ing Informal

n. a situation where someone criticizes you very strongly or makes fun of you in a harsh way. It is often used when friends or coworkers are being very mean but in a joking or competitive manner.

n. a severe or harsh criticism; a verbal attack or mocking. Often used in social contexts to describe a public or intense reprimand.


SIMPLE

He got a roasting from his boss for being late again.

CONTEXTUAL

After his team lost the championship, the captain had to endure a roasting from the local sports media.

COMPLEX

The comedian's set was essentially a relentless roasting of the front row, though the audience's laughter suggested the insults were taken in good spirits.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English rostynge; equivalent to roast + -ing.

Usage

Commonly follows the verbs 'get' or 'give'.

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