taunt

USAGE SUMMARY

'taunt' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is mainly used in the sense of mocking or insulting someone. Example sentence: The bullies taunted him for his unusual hairstyle.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sadly, we can't see the reaction of Angela Eagle, the shadow chief secretary to the Treasury and target of Cameron's repeated taunt, in this clip.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What about analysing the responsibility of Simmons and every foul-mouthed yob who thinks his £10 admission gives him the right to say what he likes to a man... to abuse, taunt, spit and behave in a way that would get you locked up if you repeated it in the high street".

The Guardian - Sport

And if the Commons arithmetic on 8 May forces him to eat his words, there is a now a fat video reel waiting to taunt him.

The Guardian

They are using it to taunt women, almost".

The Guardian

They also seek to undermine the hoodlums in other ways including by stripping YouTube of the rap videos they post to taunt their rivals.For all its successes, however, the Met is handicapped by its failure to keep pace with a changing society.

The Economist

That is already a taunt from centrists, and a bitter accusation from the PT's own left wing.

The Economist

Gangs of Congolese youths taunt people who speak the language of Rwanda by chanting "Rwandans, go home!"The UN is struggling to stop this from turning into widespread ethnic violence.

The Economist

Labour politicians taunt Mr Clegg for not advocating a wholly elected chamber, which he admits he regards as ideal (though his plan allows for that outcome should MPs support it).

The Economist

Jurors in three trials acquitted him, perhaps making him think he would for ever remain beyond the reach of the prosecutors and legislators he so loved to taunt.

The Economist

Hence the "Chicken Kev" taunt thrown by another columnist and former Labor speechwriter, Tim Soutphommasane.Ms Gillard, on the other hand, a former industrial-relations lawyer with strong ties to the trade unions that back Labor, has again shown her toughness.

The Economist

But I didn't come away with the sense that the speech was a taunt at Republicans and a rallying cry for Democrats (unless even sounding confident is a polarising sign of hubris).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taunt" when you want to convey a sense of malicious mockery intended to provoke or upset someone. Be mindful of the power dynamics in the situation; the impact of taunting can be significant, especially when directed at vulnerable individuals.

Common error

Avoid using "taunt" when you intend to offer constructive criticism. "Taunt" implies malicious intent, while constructive criticism aims to help someone improve. Ensure your language reflects your true intention.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "taunt" is as a verb, describing the action of mocking or provoking someone. It can also function as a noun, referring to the mocking remark itself. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "taunt" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to describe malicious mockery intended to provoke. When using "taunt", be mindful of its negative connotation and ensure it aligns with your intent to convey derision or provocation. Consider related phrases like ""jeer at"" or ""mock"" if a less severe tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tease mercilessly

Emphasizes the relentless and unkind nature of the teasing.

mock relentlessly

Highlights the continuous and derisive nature of the mockery.

jeer at

Focuses on the act of mocking or shouting insults.

ridicule openly

Stresses the public and scornful nature of the mockery.

deride scornfully

Emphasizes the feeling of contempt and disdain in the mockery.

bait aggressively

Indicates a deliberate attempt to provoke someone into anger.

torment verbally

Highlights the use of words to cause suffering.

provoke antagonistically

Suggests a deliberate attempt to create conflict or hostility.

needle incessantly

Conveys a sense of constant and irritating teasing.

chide sarcastically

Indicates a reprimand delivered with sarcasm and mockery.

FAQs

How can "taunt" be used in a sentence?

You can use "taunt" to describe the action of mocking or teasing someone in a deliberately hurtful way. For instance, "The bullies would "taunt" him about his clothes."

What are some alternatives to the word "taunt"?

Alternatives to "taunt" include "jeer at", "mock", "ridicule", or "tease mercilessly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "taunt" and "tease"?

"Tease" can sometimes be playful and lighthearted, while "taunt" always implies a malicious intent to hurt or provoke. Therefore, if your objective is to cause pain, use taunt. Otherwise, "tease" would be the better choice.

What is the connotation of the word "taunt"?

The word "taunt" carries a negative connotation, suggesting malicious intent, provocation, and a desire to inflict emotional pain on the target. It indicates a deliberate and often cruel form of mockery.