Taunt
/tɔːnt/
verbnounB2
Definition
Taunt means to make fun of someone in a mean way, often to upset or annoy them. It can be words or actions that tease someone by pointing out their weaknesses or mistakes. A taunt is the thing said or done to cause this feeling.
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See It in Action
To say or do something mean to make someone angry or upset
- •The older kids taunted the younger ones during recess.
- •He taunted his opponent after winning the game.
- •She was taunted for making a mistake in class.
A mean or teasing remark or action
- •His taunts made her feel sad and angry.
- •The taunt from the crowd hurt the player’s confidence.
- •They ignored the taunts and kept playing.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'taunt' like 'tease,' but stronger and more hurtful—more like trying to make someone angry or sad
- ✓Picture a child sticking out their tongue and saying something mean to another child to make them upset
- ✓It's the feeling when someone says something to hurt your feelings on purpose, like calling you names or mocking you
- ✓Sounds like 'taunt' → imagine a loud, sharp shout that stings like a small 'taunt' (like a quick, sharp poke)
- ✓In stories, bullies often taunt others to show power or make others feel bad
- ✓NOT like 'compliment' (which is nice), a taunt is the opposite—meant to hurt or annoy
- ✓NOT like 'joke' (which is funny and friendly), a taunt is mean and not friendly
- ✓NOT like 'praise' (which is good), a taunt is bad and tries to upset
Try Other Words
- •Mock: to make fun of someone (Use when the focus is on copying or making fun of someone’s actions or words)
- •Jeer: to shout rude words at someone (Use when the action is loud and public)
- •Ridicule: to laugh at or make someone feel stupid (Use in formal or serious situations)
- •Insult: to say something offensive or rude (Use when the words are clearly meant to hurt)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: No prefix or suffix; root word 'taunt'
- •Etymology: From Old French 'tant' meaning to provoke or incite, from Latin 'tangere' meaning to touch or strike
- •Historical development: First used in English in the 1500s to mean provoking or teasing someone
- •Modern usage: Used to describe mean teasing or mocking, often in sports, bullying, or arguments
Reflect & Connect
•Can teasing sometimes become a taunt? How do you know the difference?
•Why do you think people taunt others? How does it affect both the person who taunts and the one who is taunted?
Fill in the blanks
1.The children taunted their classmate because he was ___ different from them.
2.When the team lost, the fans taunted the players with ___ words.
3.Unlike a friendly joke, a taunt is meant to ___ or upset someone.
4.After the player scored, his opponent taunted him by ___ loudly.
5.People often taunt others to ___ their feelings or show power.
6.She ignored the taunts and continued to ___ in the game.
7.The loud taunt from the crowd made the player feel ___ and nervous.