public ridicule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "public ridicule" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of mocking or making fun of someone in a public setting, often leading to embarrassment or shame. Example: "The politician faced public ridicule after his controversial statement went viral on social media."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Amid public ridicule, a priest was charged.

The Economist

That makes them easy targets for public ridicule.

The Economist

The Knicks (6-14) are struggling to avoid public ridicule.

The New York Times - Sports

David Garrick, who frequently befriended him, avoided Foote's public ridicule only through flattery.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some of those warnings were quickly modified or withdrawn after attracting public ridicule.

The New York Times

"To invite public ridicule and scorn on this institution, I think, is unspeakable," the judge said.

The New York Times

Egyptian law forbids any insult to religion, while tradition immunises Arab heads of state from public ridicule.

The Economist

This, coupled with an often ill-concealed irritability at official functions and a love of reveling, brought growing public ridicule.

The New York Times

'If we are held up to public ridicule, we don't like it and two things will happen.

The New York Times

Disengagement from politics and indifference to what we do have given way to outright public ridicule and contempt.

The Guardian

Public ridicule will have no effect, there are no legal methods to retrieve the money, and criminal convictions are unlikely.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "public ridicule" to describe situations where someone is openly mocked or scorned by a large number of people, often leading to embarrassment or damage to their reputation.

Common error

Avoid using "public ridicule" when the criticism or mockery is limited to a small group or private setting. The phrase implies widespread awareness and participation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "public ridicule" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It describes the state or act of being subjected to mockery or scorn by the public. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "public ridicule" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe situations where an individual or entity is subjected to widespread mockery or scorn. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. Predominantly found in news and encyclopedic contexts, the phrase serves to highlight the negative consequences of actions that attract public disapproval. While generally neutral in register, its tone can shift towards formal or critical depending on the specific context. When employing this phrase, ensure that the scope of the mockery is genuinely public and widespread, avoiding its use for localized or private instances of criticism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

public mockery

Suggests open and disrespectful laughter or derision; accentuates the act of making fun of someone.

public caricature

Refers to the act of exaggerating someone's features or actions in a public and often mocking way; emphasizes the distortion aspect.

public satire

Involves the use of humor, irony, or exaggeration to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues; focuses on the critical and humorous element.

public insult

Implies a direct and offensive remark made publicly, highlighting the offensive nature of the action.

public farce

Indicates that a situation or event has become an absurd or ridiculous spectacle in the eyes of the public.

public laugh

Highlights the act of laughing at someone publicly, often implying scorn or disbelief.

public travesty

Emphasizes the grotesque or debased misrepresentation of something, causing public outrage or amusement.

public fool

Suggests that someone has been made to look foolish or incompetent in a public context.

public joke

Implies that someone or something has become the subject of amusement and derision in a public setting.

public irony

Involves a situation or statement that is perceived as contradictory or incongruous, leading to public amusement or criticism.

FAQs

How can I use "public ridicule" in a sentence?

You can use "public ridicule" to describe situations where an individual or entity faces widespread mockery. For example, "The company's disastrous marketing campaign was met with widespread "public ridicule"".

What is a phrase similar to "public ridicule"?

Similar phrases include "public mockery", "public scorn", or "public derision". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "public ridicule" formal or informal?

"Public ridicule" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it might be more common in news articles and analytical pieces than in casual conversation.

What causes "public ridicule"?

"Public ridicule" can stem from various sources, including controversial statements, embarrassing actions, or perceived incompetence. It often arises when an individual's behavior clashes with public expectations or values.