target of mockery

USAGE SUMMARY

"target of mockery" is a correct phrase that is often used in written English.
It is usually used to refer to someone or something that is being criticized or ridiculed. For example: The company became the target of mockery due to its poor decision-making.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

When he lost, Netanyahu became a target of mockery and criticism.

The New York Times

Still, Fort Worth remains the target of mockery in Dallas, its neighbor, whose own boosters describe as "world class" any project greater than a railroad crossing sign.

The New York Times - Style

And though Heifetz's acclaim as an artist is largely unchallenged, Lewis's—his fame in France is an enduring target of mockery, a joke that some might consider his best.

The New Yorker

In March the 55-year-old made headlines when he tried to claim a cosmetic procedure against tax and asked a judge to rule on the matter in secret lest he become "the target of mockery and jokes".

The Times

And though Heifetz's acclaim as an artist is largely unchallenged, Lewis's — his fame in France — is an enduring target of mockery, a joke that some might consider his best.

The New Yorker

However, he has yet to win the respect of the party's upper echelon, or Delhi's chattering classes, because of this very public willingness to do battle, the article says, which makes him a target of mockery and derision.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The two men's romantic appetites have made them occasional targets of mockery, as retro wingmen on the loose.

The New York Times

All his targets were people who put themselves out there and demanded adulation, so were worthy targets of mockery … Then he had a crisis of conscience, and decided what we needed was more comedy about clever, neurotic Jewish boys and their matriarchs.

The Guardian

Lindell, a youth art educator, said that he too frequently sees children berating others with one of the first targets of mockery being a darker skin tone.

Huffington Post

But the more significant target of the mockery was the tradition of white armed privilege that the occupiers represented.

The New Yorker

If a woman did not desire clothes or jewels or children, she'd said, taking up his tone, although she was the target of its mockery, she would harbor some other form of unreasonable greed, no?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "target of mockery", ensure the context clearly establishes the reason for the mockery. Providing specific details strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "target of mockery" when describing simple teasing or playful banter. This phrase implies a more significant level of ridicule and public humiliation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "target of mockery" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying the recipient of ridicule. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes someone or something being criticized or ridiculed. Examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from political figures to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "target of mockery" is a common phrase used to describe someone or something being ridiculed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and finds frequent use in news and media contexts. While seemingly straightforward, choosing this phrase implies a nuanced understanding of the severity of the ridicule. Related phrases like "subject of ridicule" or "laughingstock" offer alternative shades of meaning. Therefore, when using this phrase, it's crucial to consider the specific context and desired impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject of ridicule

Focuses on the act of ridiculing, rather than the act of mocking.

object of derision

Highlights scorn and contempt, implying a stronger negative sentiment than simple mockery.

laughingstock

Emphasizes the public nature of the mockery, suggesting widespread amusement at someone's expense.

butt of jokes

Indicates that someone is frequently made fun of in a lighthearted or humorous way.

figure of fun

Suggests that someone is seen as amusing or entertaining, often without malicious intent.

cause for scorn

Implies that something is deserving of contempt and disdain.

victim of ridicule

Highlights the negative impact of the ridicule on the individual.

sitting duck

Suggests vulnerability and an easy target for criticism or mockery.

easy mark

Implies that someone is easily deceived or taken advantage of, leading to mockery.

source of amusement

Focuses on the entertainment value derived from someone's misfortune or absurdity.

FAQs

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

You can use "target of mockery" to describe someone or something being ridiculed. For example, "His outlandish claims made him the target of mockery".

What is a good alternative to "target of mockery"?

Alternatives include "subject of ridicule", "object of derision", or "laughingstock", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "target of mockery" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "target of mockery" might be considered too informal for some academic or professional contexts. Consider alternatives like "subject of criticism" or "object of scrutiny" in those situations.

What's the difference between "target of mockery" and "victim of bullying"?

"Target of mockery" implies ridicule and laughter, while "victim of bullying" suggests a more severe and systematic pattern of harassment and abuse. Bullying typically involves a power imbalance and intent to harm, whereas mockery may not always have such malicious intent.