object of satire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "object of satire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person, group, or idea that is being mocked or criticized in a satirical work. Example: "The politician became the object of satire in the comedian's latest sketch, highlighting his controversial policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Bertram is not the book's only object of satire.

The New Yorker

Machinery, shorn of its aura, becomes the object of satire.

The New York Times - Arts

Indeed, the trend is now so well established that it has become the object of satire.

The Economist

"Portlandia," which débuted last winter, on the Independent Film Channel, and returns on January 6th, is the rare sketch-comedy series that has a sustained object of satire.

The New Yorker

But anti-Semitism -- either as an object of satire by Trollope or an object of belief by him -- is central to understanding this novel.

The New York Times - Books

In their previous collaboration, the near-perfect "Ghost World," Mr. Clowes and Mr. Zwigoff used adolescent misanthropy as both a method of analysis and an object of satire.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

And it doesn't help that the objects of satire here are overly familiar: commercialism, greed, narcissism, liberal pieties, our wired lives.

The New York Times

The TV images that have come to define this whole episode – defeated-looking Lehman employees carrying boxes of their belongings through Wall Street – have become objects of satire.

The Guardian - Business

That's why most aggressive businessmen on television and in the movies are portrayed as villains ("Wall Street"), objects of satire ("Barbarians at the Gate") or -- remember "Dynasty"?

The New York Times

Heinrich's best work, the comedy Von Vincentio Ladislao (1594), showed his skill at characterization and used elements of the much-imitated style of the English actors, the exaggerated language and the pretensions of the braggart, as objects of satire.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Scots on the make in England had been objects of satire since the Act of Union, but in Crosland's relentless, patronising irony the game of Scot-baiting reached its pinnacle of unpleasantness.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "object of satire", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being mocked or ridiculed. The target should be easily identifiable to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the "object of satire" is necessarily viewed negatively by the author. Satire can be used to critique something while also acknowledging its complexities or even sympathizing with certain aspects. Not understanding this nuance might lead you to misrepresent the work's message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "object of satire" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies what is being ridiculed or mocked. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, as seen in various news and media examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Encyclopedias

14%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "object of satire" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to identify the target of ridicule or mockery in a satirical work. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with less common usage in encyclopedias and wiki sources. While interchangeable with terms like "target of mockery" or "subject of ridicule", ensure clarity in identifying what exactly is being satirized. Remember that satire doesn't necessarily imply complete negativity; it can offer nuanced critiques. The phrase maintains a neutral register and is essential for discussing and analyzing satirical works effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

target of mockery

Replaces "object" with "target", implying a focus of ridicule.

subject of ridicule

Uses "subject" instead of "object", changing the perspective slightly.

focus of derision

Emphasizes the scornful aspect of the satire.

butt of the joke

More informal, highlighting the humorous aspect of being targeted.

aim of the satire

Shifts focus to the intent behind the satirical work.

victim of parody

Specifically refers to satire through imitation.

recipient of irony

Highlights the use of irony in the satirical expression.

point of mockery

Focuses on the specific element being mocked.

source of lampooning

Uses "lampooning", indicating a strong, often public, criticism.

center of jest

Highlights the humorous and playful nature of the satire.

FAQs

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

You can use "object of satire" to describe a person, idea, or institution that is being ridiculed in a satirical work. For example: "The politician's policies became the main "object of satire" in the late-night comedy show."

What is a good synonym for "object of satire"?

Good synonyms include "target of mockery", "subject of ridicule", or "focus of derision". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "object of satire" and "subject of satire"?

While both can be used, "object" emphasizes the thing being acted upon by the satire, while "subject" focuses on the topic or theme being explored through satire. They are largely interchangeable, but the choice can subtly shift the emphasis.

What are some common "targets of satire"?

Common "targets of satire" include political figures, social institutions, cultural trends, and human behaviors that the satirist wishes to criticize or mock.