mocking

[mok-ing]

adjective

1. showing ridicule, contempt, or derision.

   Elsewhere along the parade route, small bands of protesters held mocking signs.

noun

1. contemptuous, derisive, and usually imitative speech or action.

   Jake just turned his face away and took the mocking and ridicule his brothers dished out.

Other Word Forms

• mockingly adverb
• self-mocking adjective
• unmocking adjective
• unmockingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of mocking¹

First recorded in 1400–50; mock ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective; mock ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun

Example Sentences

Cuomo leaned into the moment with a cheeky campaign stunt, mocking Adams’ troubles while reminding voters of his own knack for theatrics.

From Salon

In April 2018, two kids, J.S. and his friend, messaged back and forth mocking another student by suggesting he looked like a school shooter.

From Salon

And no joke is more vulgar than one mocking the pain of your neighbors, whether they were born in this country or not.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2017, the Parker told The Los Angeles Times, the show had fallen into the "trap" of mocking the US president in its episodes every week.

From BBC

He did, however, have a long history of mocking his bosses and his network — a trend Colbert happily continued.

From Salon

Related Words

• derisive 
• sarcastic