make fun of vs poke fun at

Both 'make fun of' and 'poke fun at' are correct phrases in English, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Make fun of' is more direct and can sometimes have a negative connotation, implying mockery or ridicule. On the other hand, 'poke fun at' is a milder and more playful way of teasing or joking about someone or something.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 747 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, but it can sometimes have a negative connotation.

"make fun of"

This phrase is used when someone is mocking or ridiculing someone or something in a direct manner. It can be considered more harsh or critical compared to 'poke fun at.'

Examples:

Please don't make fun of her accent; it's rude.
He always makes fun of my cooking skills.
Stop making fun of him; he's trying his best.
She felt hurt when they made fun of her appearance.
Bullying is never okay, especially when it involves making fun of others.

Show examples from the web [+]

Don't make fun of an older woman.
You make fun of everything I do, including my job.
And don't make fun of her hair.
Today it is customary to make fun of fascist rhetoric.
Can't make fun of something that's a null set.
Don't make fun of your elder.
You like to make fun of us.
I like to make fun of everything.
People should make fun of foreigners.
Sometimes people make fun of those things.
I must not make fun of the supervisors... with grotesque imitation, unconnected with reality.
Nobody will ever make fun of him for that.
You can't make fun of Finn anymore.
My friends and I go there ironically To make fun of people who actually like it.
Let's just walk around and make fun of this stuff.
They still make fun of him though.
One mustn't make fun of alerts.
Kids make fun of everything, right?
Even the Venezuelans make fun of him.

Alternatives:

mock
ridicule
tease
taunt
laugh at

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, often in a more light-hearted and playful context.

"poke fun at"

This phrase is used when someone is teasing or joking about someone or something in a more gentle or good-natured way. It is less harsh than 'make fun of.'

Examples:

We like to poke fun at each other's quirks.
She's just poking fun at you; don't take it seriously.
It's all in good fun; we're just poking fun at the situation.
The comedian poked fun at current events in his stand-up routine.
Friends often poke fun at each other as a sign of affection.

Show examples from the web [+]

Don't poke fun at the freight industry
He used the anonymity to poke fun at his classmates, sometimes a bit harsh.
This time, they did not want to poke fun at me.
He'd poke fun at himself all the time.
I didn't mean to poke fun at you.
But it was a lot of fun to poke fun at ourselves.
She hardly speaks to me except to ask for money... or poke fun at me because I work for a living.
He must learn not to poke fun at the authorities.
I think that this point has become extremely important over recent years for Greece too, especially - to push the debate forward a little - under the weight of the use of cultural monuments for purposes unrelated to culture, in order to poke fun at my country.
A good thing, in the wrong place, but with my truck... you know You shouldn't poke fun at the freight industry, that's all
Don't poke fun at the freight industry.
I used to poke fun at your bow tie in the past, anyway, but that regular tie they put you in for the filming - that wasn't doing you any favors, either.
To poke fun at their stereotypes: [#IfAfricaWasABar Nigeria would be outside explaining that he will pay the entrance fee, all he needs is the bouncer's account details.]

Alternatives:

tease
joke about
banter with
playfully mock
make light of

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

make fun of vs poke fun at

"make fun of"

"poke fun at"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text