poke fun at, to 🤪
poke fun at, to - To mock or ridicule, to tease. Poke here means “to thrust,” and the fun is at the victim’s expense. This term has been around since 1835 or so. The OED cites Thomas Hood’s Up the Rhine (1840): “The American . . . in a dry way began to poke his fun at the unfortunate traveler,” a statement that leaves no doubt about who is having the “fun.”
Related Terms & Expressions
- Tease: Light mockery or playful annoyance.
- Jibe: A taunting or sarcastic remark.
- Roast: Good-naturedly making fun of someone, often at a gathering.
- Mock: To imitate someone in a way that makes them look silly.
- Taunt: To provoke or challenge with mocking remarks.
Similar Idioms
- Take the mickey: British slang for teasing or mocking.
- Pull someone’s leg: To joke or kid with someone.
- Yank someone’s chain: To aggravate or tease.
Synonyms
- Mock
- Ridicule
- Gibe
- Jest
- Scoff
Antonyms
- Compliment
- Praise
- Flatter
- Commend
Humor-Filled Quote
“Ever noticed how when they poke fun on TV commercials, no one gets the jab but the watchers? It’s corporate taunting at its finest!” – Loony Lauryn, comedian
Proverb
“All work and no play makes Jack poked fun at by the rest!” – Modern twist on “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”
References
- Thomas Hood’s Up the Rhine (1840): A treasure trove of jests and jibes.
- The Art of Wit by William Shakespeare: Explore the roots of playful banter.
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: Teasing and wit in regency hardships.
- Saturday Night Live: Masterclass in roasting and parody on television.
Suggested Literature, Movies, and More
- 📖 The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde: A comedic play overflowing with sharp wit.
- 📽️ Roast of Justin Bieber: Comedy Central’s brutal and hilarious roasts.
- 📚 Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett: A spellbinding and hilariously irreverent look at the apocalypse.
Date of Publication: 2023-10-15
Until next time, remember to keep your jests light, your pokes gentle, and your fun at the expense of no one but your funny bone!
🌟 Let humor inspire your day! 🌟
