makes fun of

USAGE SUMMARY

"makes fun of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to mock or tease someone or something in a playful or humorous manner. You can use it in a sentence like: She always makes fun of her brother's messy room. This sentence means that the person mocks or teases her brother's messy room in a playful or humorous way.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Conan O'Brien makes fun of people.

The New York Times - Arts

He makes fun of my belly.

The New York Times

My wife makes fun of me.

The New York Times

The way he makes fun of her.

The New Yorker

"It makes fun of literature," she said.

The New York Times

I mean, Tyra makes fun of herself.

The New York Times

@WashingtonPost makes fun of my girls.

Independent

"Everyone makes fun of me".

The New York Times

He makes fun of other politicians.

The New York Times

"My husband makes fun of me.

The Guardian

"Seinfeld makes fun of these characters.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "makes fun of" when you want to convey a sense of lighthearted teasing or playful mockery. Be mindful of the context and audience to ensure the humor is well-received and doesn't cause offense.

Common error

Avoid using "makes fun of" in contexts where seriousness or sensitivity is required. The phrase can trivialize important issues or hurt individuals if not used carefully.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makes fun of" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate in a sentence. It describes an action of mocking, teasing, or ridiculing someone or something, often in a lighthearted or humorous way. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

22%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "makes fun of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that expresses the act of teasing or mocking someone or something, often in a playful way. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-accepted in written English. It's frequently found in news, media, and informal contexts, but should be used with caution in more formal or sensitive situations. Remember to consider the tone and audience to ensure the humor is appropriate and doesn't cause offense. While there are many alternatives like ""pokes fun at"", ""mocks"", or ""teases"", the best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pokes fun at

Slightly less harsh; implies a gentler form of teasing.

mocks

Similar to ridicules, but can also imply imitation for the purpose of mockery.

ridicules

More formal and implies a stronger, more critical form of mockery.

teases

Implies a lighthearted and playful way of making fun.

roasts

A more contemporary term for humorously mocking someone, often in a public setting.

derides

Formal and indicates expressing contempt or ridicule.

lampoons

Suggests a satirical attack, often in writing or performance.

satirizes

Similar to lampoons, emphasizing the use of satire to expose foolishness.

taunts

Implies aggressive or provocative teasing.

jeers at

Suggests a loud and scornful expression of disapproval or mockery.

FAQs

How do I use "makes fun of" in a sentence?

You can use "makes fun of" to describe someone teasing or mocking another person or thing in a playful or humorous way. For instance, "He often "pokes fun at" his friend's accent".

What are some alternatives to "makes fun of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "teases", "pokes fun at", "mocks", or "ridicules".

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "makes fun of"?

No, it's not always appropriate. Consider the context and your audience. If the situation calls for seriousness or sensitivity, it's best to avoid using "makes fun of" as it can be perceived as disrespectful or insensitive.

What's the difference between "makes fun of" and "bullies"?

"Makes fun of" typically implies playful teasing or lighthearted mockery, while "bullies" suggests a pattern of aggressive behavior intended to harm or intimidate someone. Bullying is much more severe and harmful than simply making fun of someone.