What does “Take the Mickey” mean?
"Take the Mickey" means to make fun of someone or mock them.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He always takes the Mickey out of his little brother.
Example
The comedian loves to take the Mickey out of celebrities.
Example
Don't take the Mickey too much, it might hurt their feelings
Is “Take the Mickey” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Take the Mickey” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Take the Mickey” effectively in context?
You can use "Take the Mickey" to describe the act of making fun of someone or mocking them. It is often used in a lighthearted or playful manner, but it's important to be mindful of the other person's feelings. For example, if a friend is teasing their sibling, you might say, 'He always takes the Mickey out of his little brother.'
- 1Friendship
The group of friends loved to take the Mickey out of each other, but it was all in good fun.
- 2Entertainment
The comedian's favorite routine was to take the Mickey out of celebrities and impersonate their mannerisms.
- 3Caution
Don't take the Mickey too much, it might hurt their feelings.
Similar phrases to “Take the Mickey”:
Tease
To make fun of someone in a playful or mocking way
Example
She likes to tease her younger sister about her fashion choices.
To imitate or mimic someone or something in a derisive or scornful manner
Example
The students mocked their teacher's accent during class.
To jokingly tease or make fun of someone
Example
They would often rib each other about their favorite sports teams.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Take the Mickey” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Take the Mickey" is unknown.
Is “Take the Mickey” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Take the Mickey" is a common expression in everyday conversation, especially in British English. It is often used in informal settings among friends or in comedic contexts.
What tone does “Take the Mickey” have?
"Take the Mickey" conveys a tone of playfulness and light teasing. It is typically used in a friendly manner to poke fun at someone without intending to cause harm or offense.
Can “Take the Mickey” be used in informal and formal settings?
While "Take the Mickey" is more commonly used in informal settings, it can also be used in casual conversations with colleagues or acquaintances. However, it may not be appropriate in formal or professional situations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He loves to take the Mickey out of his friends.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Stop taking the Mickey!' to imply that someone should stop making fun of others.
