jeer at

USAGE SUMMARY

"jeer at" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to mock or make fun of someone. Example sentence: The fans jeered at the opposing team as they entered the stadium.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Oh yeah?" I'd jeer at Dodger fans.

The New York Times - Books

I'll jeer at hippies because that's helpful.

The Guardian - Music

Would the media bait and jeer at them?

The Guardian

Furthermore, some people tend to jeer at speakers to invalidate their speech.

The New York Times

The attendant desire to gawk and jeer at elephants brought low is an old one.

The New York Times

It's considered bad form even in the bleachers to jeer at physical deformities.

The New York Times - Sports

He was free to jeer at her, humiliate her, gloat over the deaths of her comrades.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The students had no boundaries set and would jeer at me in the corridors.

The Guardian

The young men will jeer at them, insult them and dare them to do something.

The Guardian

Eventually, the woman with the catalogue and a friend beside her began to jeer at the actresses, mocking their gestures.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

(The Chinese public jeered at the criticism).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "jeer at" when you want to emphasize a direct and often public expression of scorn or mockery aimed at a specific target.

Common error

Ensure the object of "jeer at" is clearly defined. Avoid ambiguity by specifying who or what is being mocked to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "jeer at" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action of mocking or deriding someone or something. It emphasizes the direct expression of scorn. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and offers numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "jeer at" is a verb phrase used to express mockery or derision directed at someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While "jeer at" has a neutral register, it should be used carefully in formal contexts, as it implies a negative connotation. Consider alternatives like "mock" or "scoff at" depending on the situation. Ensure the object of the jeering is clear to avoid ambiguity. The frequency of "jeer at" is very common, making it a readily understood expression for expressing scorn.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mock

Direct synonym focusing on ridicule.

scoff at

Implies contemptuous mockery.

ridicule

Formal term for making fun of someone.

taunt

Focuses on provoking with mockery.

deride

Expressing contempt or mockery.

sneer at

Suggests a disdainful form of mockery.

gibe at

To make insulting remarks; to jeer.

jeer

Simplified version without the preposition.

make fun of

Informal and general way to describe mockery.

laugh at

Suggests a more lighthearted form of mockery, though context can make it harsh.

FAQs

How can I use "jeer at" in a sentence?

You can use "jeer at" to describe the act of mocking or ridiculing someone or something. For example: "The crowd began to "jeer at" the player after he missed the shot."

What are some alternatives to "jeer at"?

Alternatives include "mock", "scoff at", or "ridicule". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "jeer at" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "jeer at" carries a somewhat informal and negative connotation. In formal writing, consider using more neutral alternatives like "criticize" or "disapprove of" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "jeer at" and "laugh at"?

"Jeer at" implies a more scornful and derisive form of mockery, whereas "laugh at" can suggest amusement that is not necessarily malicious. The intent behind the action is the key differentiator.