clowning on
Making fun of
Clowning on someone means mocking or making fun of them, typically in a playful or teasing manner rather than with genuine malice.
The phrase suggests exaggerated or theatrical ridicule, like a clown's performance.
Why are you always clowning on me in front of everyone?
It can also mean showing someone up or outperforming them in an embarrassing way: He was clowning on the other team all game.
- jestingPlayful, unserious speech
- teasingPlayful, mild ridicule
- poking funMocking in jest
- roastingCooking with dry heat
- throwing shadeSubtle public disparagement
mocking · talking smack · pranking · parody · ridicule · trolling · going in on · joking · dissing · giving grief · satire · taunting · slapstick · ribbing · banter · farce · ragging · cracking jokes
clowning onpraising
Voicing admiration
respecting · honoring · admiring · complimenting · celebrating
clowning onhyping up
Exaggerating to excite
gassing up · bigging up · championing · defending · standing up for