picking on
Singling out meanly
Picking on someone is singling them out for criticism, teasing, or bullying—usually repeatedly and unfairly.
The phrase implies a power imbalance or meanness: The older kids were always picking on him.
It suggests targeting rather than general conflict: Why are you picking on me?
Often used to defend someone being treated unfairly or to accuse someone of harassment.
- botheringCausing irritation repeatedly
- attackingActively engaging offensively
- ganging up onUniting against one target
- buggingSecretly recording conversations
- bullyingAggressive repeated intimidation
giving a hard time · pushing around · belittling · talking down to · scapegoating · ridiculing · making fun of · condemning · faultfinding · teasing · disparaging · throwing shade · taunting · nitpicking · chastising · humiliation · reproaching · censuring
picking ondefending
Protecting against harm
standing up for · supporting · championing · protecting · encouraging
picking onmentoring
Advising someone less experienced
shielding · empowering · sponsoring · standing up for · protecting