Definition

Verb (transitive, idiomatic): To tease or mock someone or something in a lighthearted, playful, or sometimes critical way. It involves making jokes at another's expense, often without malicious intent but to provoke laughter.

Usage

The phrase "poke fun" is always followed by the preposition "at" to introduce the target of the teasing. * Structure: to poke fun at [someone/something]

Examples

• The comedians gently poked fun at the mayor's distinctive speaking style.
• It's common for siblings to poke fun at each other.
• The cartoon pokes fun at the absurdities of modern office life.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can describe the tone or style of creative works like satire, parody, or humorous commentary.
  • The show is a political satire that pokes fun at current events.

Variants and Related Words

• Make fun of (verb phrase): A very common synonym with identical meaning and structure ("make fun of someone").
• Tease (verb): A more general term for making jokes about someone playfully.
• Ridicule (verb): Implies a harsher, more contemptuous form of mockery.
• Roast (verb, informal): To humorously mock and insult someone, often as part of a planned event in their honor.

Synonyms

Tease, mock, jest at, joke about, make sport of.

Related Phrases

• Poke fun at oneself / Self-deprecating humor: To make jokes about one's own flaws or mistakes.
  • He is well-liked because he's not afraid to poke fun at himself.

Verb

1. subject to laughter or ridicule
   • The satirists ridiculed the plans for a new opera house
   • The students poked fun at the inexperienced teacher
   • His former students roasted the professor at his 60th birthday