What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
roasting
Example
The group spent the evening roasting each other, telling jokes and making fun of each other's quirks. [roasting: verb]
Example
The comedian was famous for his hilarious roasts of celebrities at award shows. [roasts: noun]
mocking
Example
The bully was always mocking the new kid's accent, making him feel embarrassed and ashamed. [mocking: verb]
Example
The politician faced criticism for his mocking comments about disabled people. [mocking: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mocking is more commonly used than roasting in everyday language. However, roasting is a popular form of entertainment in certain contexts, such as comedy clubs, TV shows, and social media.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between roasting and mocking?
Neither roasting nor mocking is particularly formal, but roasting is generally considered more acceptable in polite company because it is meant to be good-natured and playful, while mocking is often seen as rude and offensive.