"make fun of" vs "poke fun at"

Question

"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

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.

Alternatives:

mock
ridicule
tease
taunt
laugh 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.

Alternatives:

tease
joke about
banter with
playfully mock
make light of

Answer 1

make fun of

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

Answer 2

poke fun at

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

"make fun of" vs "poke fun at"

make fun of

poke fun at

Related Comparisons