object of mockery

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "object of mockery" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe a person, idea, or object that is the source of ridicule or mockery. For example: The Prime Minister quickly became an object of mockery after announcing his ill-advised plan to raise taxes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Dostoyevsky's arrogance made him the object of mockery by Turgenev and he left the circle.

The New Yorker

Has any other leading author been so regular an object of mockery?

The Guardian - Books

Trust in the media has plummeted, and mainstream media coverage regularly becomes the object of mockery.

The Guardian

Archbishop Nycz said the cross should not become an object of mockery, but neither could it be moved by force.

The New York Times

Mr. Sherwood, seasoned at being an object of mockery, said he has never watched the video and did not intend to.

The New York Times

Donald Trump, once an object of mockery and scorn by many in the political establishment, has won the New Hampshire Republican primary.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Hoarders shouldn't be the objects of mockery.

The New Yorker

Several scholars have pointed out that chastity vows simultaneously turned priests into emasculated objects of mockery or disgust, but also into untouchable objects of reverence.

The New Yorker

Those middle-aged women are not objects of mockery, as it happens, but memorable in their proud desperation to keep up appearances, and dignified in the case of the actress Bea Arthur bare-breasted.

The New York Times - Arts

The other objects of mockery in this sketch aren't safe, necessarily, but there's a big difference between recognizing that some discernible aspects of the world around us are problematic and accepting that violating others is so deeply pervasive in our way of viewing the world that a simple sport is basically perfectly analogous to rape.

Vice

Tiao and her sister are befriended by an older girl, an illegitimate child whose shocking "decadence" — in the form of painted lips and curled bangs — becomes, fittingly for the contradictions of the Maoist years, the object both of mockery and of envy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "object of mockery" to describe a person, group, or idea that is consistently ridiculed, especially in a public context. Consider the emotional impact and whether the term accurately reflects the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "object of mockery" when describing simple teasing or playful banter. The phrase implies a significant level of public ridicule or scorn, not casual joking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "object of mockery" functions as a noun phrase that identifies someone or something that is consistently ridiculed or made fun of. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Books

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "object of mockery" is a noun phrase used to describe someone or something that is ridiculed or made fun of. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its primary function is descriptive, categorizing entities subjected to public derision. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register and is a fairly common expression. Alternative phrases include "laughingstock" and "target of ridicule", offering similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focus of mockery

Highlights the central point of mockery.

target of ridicule

Highlights the act of ridiculing and the person being targeted.

subject of derision

Uses a more formal term, 'derision', to indicate scornful mockery.

laughingstock

Emphasizes the state of being ridiculed by many.

butt of jokes

Focuses on the jokes and humor made at someone's expense.

figure of fun

Implies a lighthearted, but still mocking, view.

victim of ridicule

Presents the person as a victim of mockery.

prey to mockery

Suggests helplessness against the act of mockery.

one to be mocked

Descriptive of someone whose behavior invites mockery.

sitting duck for mockery

Someone obviously vulnerable and easily mocked.

FAQs

How can I use "object of mockery" in a sentence?

The phrase "object of mockery" describes someone or something that is being ridiculed. Example: The politician became an object of mockery after his embarrassing public blunder.

What's a good alternative to "object of mockery"?

You could use "laughingstock" or "target of ridicule" as alternatives depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to call someone an "object of mockery"?

Calling someone an "object of mockery" can be harsh, as it emphasizes their ridiculed status. Consider the context and your intention before using this phrase.

What is the difference between "object of mockery" and "object of scorn"?

"Object of mockery" implies ridicule and laughter, while "object of scorn" suggests contempt and disdain. Mockery is often humorous, while scorn is more serious and condemning.