What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
japing
Example
Stop japing me, I know you're just kidding. [japing: verb]
Example
The group spent the evening japing and laughing together. [japing: gerund or present participle]
taunt
Example
He felt hurt by the taunts of his classmates. [taunt: noun]
Example
She taunted him with cruel words, trying to get a reaction. [taunted: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Taunt is more commonly used than japing in everyday language. Taunt is often used in situations where someone is being intentionally hurtful or insulting, while japing is used in more playful and friendly contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between japing and taunt?
Both japing and taunt are informal words that are typically used in casual conversation. However, taunt can also be used in more formal settings, such as legal or political contexts, to describe provocative or insulting behavior.