Definition

Verb: To mock, to ridicule, to make fun of (someone or something), often with a sense of scorn or contempt for perceived faults, flaws, or ridiculousness.

Usage

The verb cười chê describes the action of laughing at someone or something in a derisive, scornful, or contemptuous manner. It implies not just laughter, but laughter combined with criticism, mockery, or a judgment that the target is inferior, foolish, or flawed. It often carries a negative social or moral judgment.

Examples

• (Don't mock others like that, it's not nice.)
• (She is afraid of being ridiculed by everyone because of her family situation.)
• (That action deserves to be scorned.)

Advanced Usage

• Subject of Mockery: Often used in passive constructions or contexts where the person/thing being mocked is the focus.
  • Anh ta trở thành đối tượng bị cười chê. (He became the object of ridicule.)
• Moral/Social Judgment: Frequently used in proverbs, advice, or warnings about social reputation and morality.
  • Ở đời, đừng làm điều đáng bị cười chê. (In life, don't do things worthy of scorn.)

Variants and Related Words

• Chê cười (verb): A less common variant with the same meaning as "cười chê".
• Chế giễu (verb): To ridicule, to deride. A close synonym, often slightly more formal or literary.
• Nhạo báng (verb): To scoff at, to jeer. Implies stronger, more open contempt.
• Cười nhạo (verb): To sneer, to laugh mockingly. Focuses on the mocking tone of the laughter.

Synonyms

• Mock: To tease or laugh at in a scornful or contemptuous manner.
• Ridicule: To subject someone or something to contemptuous and dismissive language or behavior.
• Deride: To express contempt for; to ridicule.
• Scoff at: To speak about someone or something in a scornfully derisive or mocking way.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Làm trò cười cho thiên hạ: To become a laughingstock for everyone. This phrase describes the result of being widely cười chê.
  • Hành động của anh ta chỉ làm trò cười cho thiên hạ. (His actions only made him a laughingstock for everyone.)

verb

1. to make fun of