What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mocking
Example
He was mocking her accent, which made her feel embarrassed. [mocking: verb]
Example
The teacher's mocking tone made the student feel ashamed of their mistake. [mocking: adjective]
teasing
Example
She was teasing him about his new haircut, but they both laughed it off. [teasing: verb]
Example
The siblings enjoyed teasing each other during family gatherings. [teasing: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Teasing is more commonly used than mocking in everyday language. Teasing is a normal part of social interaction and is often seen as harmless and enjoyable, while mocking is considered inappropriate and unacceptable in most situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between mocking and teasing?
Both mocking and teasing are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts. However, mocking is more negative and insulting, making it even less appropriate for formal situations.
