poke fun at
Meaning
To tease or make jokes about someone/something, usually in a light or mildly mocking way.
Origin
From the literal sense of “poke” (prod) + “fun,” suggesting giving someone/something a small jab for amusement; recorded in modern English and used as a mild form of “mock.”
Notes
Usually suggests light teasing rather than harsh ridicule, but it can still feel mean depending on tone and relationship.
Examples
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We like to poke fun at each other, but it’s always in good spirit.
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He poked fun at my haircut, and I couldn’t stop laughing.
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The cartoon pokes fun at politicians without being too mean.
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Don’t poke fun at her accent—it’s rude and unnecessary.
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She can poke fun at herself, which makes her easy to work with.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Typically used as “poke fun at + noun/pronoun” (object of teasing). Tense varies (poked/poking). Less common without “at.”
Synonyms
- tease
- make fun of
- rib
- joke about
- mock (milder context)
Antonyms
- praise
- compliment
- speak highly of