make a jab at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a jab at" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a criticism or a mocking remark directed at someone or something. Example: "During the meeting, she made a jab at his lack of preparation, which caught everyone off guard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Even when they try to make a jab at Obama, the Republicans come off looking about as mature as some snotty-nosed little tykes.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He made a jab at one of his predecessors.

The New Yorker

After reminding the crowd of his West Georgia roots, Gingrich made a jab at Romney's Southern faux-pas, saying "this morning when I had grits, I thought it was a very normal thing to do".

The New Yorker

His detailed knowledge of current events is clear as he makes a jab at Mr. Trump's hasty visit to Iraq in December, his first to see troops stationed in a combat zone.

The New York Times

STREET OF WALLS   Guy Hands Makes a Jab at Hedge Fund Industry  |  "If you are looking for a career just focusing on making money please don't come in to the private equity industry," Guy Hands, of the private equity firm Terra Firma, said at a conference at Harvard Business School, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The New York Times

It was the second time Johnson made a jab at New York during his visit.

Huffington Post

While answering a question about spending, Colbert Busch made a jab at Sanford's assignations to Argentina while serving as governor.

Huffington Post

Don't be afraid to scratch back if someone makes a jab at you, but refrain from becoming a bully.

WikiHow

Mr. Deripaska used his time first to make a jab, apparently, at Mikhail M. Fridman, whose Alfa Bank had threatened Mr. Deripaska's aluminum smelters with bankruptcy proceedings in Russian courts.

The New York Times

Guillen has already said he told General Manager Kenny Williams to get him players who wanted to win and not players who were worried about making $20 million, a jab at Thomas.

The New York Times - Sports

worked on that one"–a jab at his rival.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make a jab at" when you want to describe a brief, often sarcastic, critical remark. It's best suited for informal or journalistic writing where a slightly lighter tone is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "make a jab at" to describe physical actions or literal poking. This phrase is specifically for verbal or written criticisms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a jab at" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It's used to describe the action of making a quick, often sarcastic or critical remark towards someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showcasing real-world examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a jab at" is a commonly used idiomatic phrase that describes the act of making a quick, often sarcastic, critical remark. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is generally grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While primarily informal, it can be adapted for more professional settings with consideration for the audience and tone. Alternatives like ""take a dig at"" or ""throw shade at"" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in nuance. When using this phrase, ensure the context is appropriate and that the intent is clear to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a dig at

Emphasizes a slightly more subtle or sarcastic form of criticism.

take a shot at

Suggests a more direct and potentially aggressive form of criticism.

throw shade at

Implies a more indirect and often dismissive form of criticism.

criticize

Direct and straightforward way of expressing disapproval or disagreement.

mock

Focuses on ridiculing or making fun of someone or something.

ridicule

Similar to mock, but often carries a stronger sense of contempt.

tease

Suggests a playful or lighthearted form of criticism.

taunt

Suggests a provoking form of criticism meant to anger or upset the target.

satirize

To use humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices.

lampoon

Publicly criticize (someone or something) by using ridicule, irony, or sarcasm.

FAQs

How can I use "make a jab at" in a sentence?

You can use "make a jab at" to indicate a quick, often sarcastic, critical comment directed at someone or something. For example: "The comedian "made a jab at" the politician's policies during his routine."

What are some alternatives to "make a jab at"?

Alternatives include "take a dig at", "take a shot at", or "throw shade at", depending on the context and the level of formality.

Is "make a jab at" formal or informal?

"Make a jab at" is generally considered informal. More formal alternatives might include "criticize" or "satirize".

What is the difference between "make a jab at" and "criticize"?

"Make a jab at" implies a brief, often sarcastic or humorous remark, whereas "criticize" /s/criticize suggests a more detailed and serious assessment.