Mockery
/ˈmɑːkəri/
nounB2
Definition
Mockery is when someone laughs at or copies another person in a way that is not kind, often to show they think that person or idea is silly or wrong. It can also mean a situation or thing that is a poor or false version of what it should be, making it seem like a joke.
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See It in Action
Making fun of someone in a cruel or disrespectful way
- •His speech was met with mockery from the audience.
- •She felt hurt by the mockery of her accent.
- •The children’s mockery made him feel embarrassed.
A poor or false version of something, making it seem like a joke
- •The new law was called a mockery of justice.
- •The cheap copy was a mockery of the original painting.
- •Their effort was a mockery of real teamwork.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "mockery" like "fun" (A1 word), but it is NOT kind fun—it is teasing or making someone feel bad.
- ✓Picture someone copying your voice in a silly way to make others laugh at you.
- ✓It's the feeling when you are laughed at unfairly or when something serious is treated like a joke.
- ✓Sounds like "MOCK-ery" → imagine someone MOCKING (making fun) in a way that feels like a big joke or insult.
- ✓Remember school scenes where kids tease others by copying them—this is mockery.
- ✓NOT like "joke" (which can be friendly)—mockery is often mean or disrespectful.
- ✓NOT like "praise" (giving good words)—mockery is the opposite, showing disrespect.
- ✓NOT like "parody" (a funny copy meant to entertain)—mockery is usually hurtful or cruel.
- ✓NOT like "imitation" (neutral copying)—mockery has a bad feeling or intention.
Try Other Words
- •Ridicule: making fun of someone in a mean way (Use when focusing on the act of laughing at or insulting)
- •Scorn: showing strong dislike or disrespect (Use when showing contempt or strong dislike)
- •Parody: funny copy for entertainment (Use when the copy is meant to be funny, not hurtful)
- •Insult: a rude or disrespectful comment (Use when the focus is on words that hurt feelings)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "mock" (to make fun of) + "-ery" (a suffix forming nouns meaning an action or behavior)
- •Etymology: From Old French "moquerie," meaning ridicule or derision
- •Historical development: Used since the 14th century to describe acts of making fun or showing disrespect
- •Modern usage: Used both for the act of cruel teasing and for describing something that is a poor or false version of something real
Reflect & Connect
•How does mockery affect people’s feelings and behavior in social situations?
•Can mockery ever be harmless or funny, or is it always hurtful? Why?
Fill in the blanks
1.The politician’s speech was met with ___ because many people thought it was silly and not serious.
2.When someone uses mockery, they usually want to ___ or hurt the person they are copying.
3.Unlike a friendly joke, mockery often makes people feel ___ or embarrassed.
4.Calling the project a mockery means it is a ___ or false version of what it should be.
5.People who face mockery might feel ___ and want to avoid others.
6.Mockery often ___ respect and shows a lack of kindness.
7.Sometimes, mockery is confused with parody, but mockery is more ___ and less playful.