making fun of
Ridiculing for laughs
Making fun of is teasing or mocking someone or something, usually to get laughs: The other kids were making fun of his accent.
The phrase ranges from affectionate ribbing among friends to cruel ridicule.
What distinguishes it from simple criticism is the element of humor—the mockery is meant to amuse, even when it wounds.
- ridiculingMocking with contempt
- mockeryScornful ridicule or travesty
- taking the pissBritish mockery slang
- sneeringExpressing scorn facially
- jeeringVocal public mockery
teasing · taunting · talking trash · belittling · putting down · shaming · poking fun · satire · scorning · prank · humiliating · cheap shots · caricature · lampooning · deriding · banter · joking · parody
making fun ofpraising
Voicing admiration
complimenting · admiring · honoring · celebrating · lauding
making fun ofdefending
Protecting against harm
supporting · encouraging · uplifting · standing up for · championing