jeer
B2Informal
Definition
Meaning
To shout rude, insulting, or mocking words at someone; to deride openly.
To speak or shout in a scornful, scoffing manner, often in a group, with the intent to humiliate or show contempt for a person, their actions, or their ideas.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies hostile, loud, and often public mockery. Typically involves a crowd or group targeting an individual or another group. Stronger than 'tease' and carries a tone of scorn.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Jeer' is used identically in both dialects.
Connotations
In both varieties, it strongly connotes mob-like behavior, public humiliation, and a lack of sportsmanship (e.g., in a football stadium).
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in sports and political reporting in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[SUBJ] jeer at [OBJ][SUBJ] jeer [OBJ] (less common, transitive)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “boos and jeers”
- “the jeers of the crowd”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'The CEO's unpopular decision was met with jeers from shareholders.'
Academic
Used in historical or sociological texts describing public reactions.
Everyday
Most common in contexts of sports, performances, or public speeches gone badly.
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The away fans began to jeer at the home team's goalkeeper.
- The politician was jeered off the stage after his gaffe.
American English
- The crowd started to jeer the umpire after the controversial call.
- He was jeered relentlessly during his entire speech.
adverb
British English
- 'You're rubbish!' he shouted jeeringly from the back.
- The commentator spoke jeeringly of the team's performance.
American English
- He laughed jeeringly at their failed attempt.
- She looked at him jeeringly before turning away.
adjective
British English
- The jeering mob made it impossible to continue.
- He faced a jeering audience.
American English
- She ignored the jeering crowd and finished her song.
- A jeering chant erupted from the stands.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The bad man in the film was jeered by the people.
- The children jeered at the silly clown.
- When the player missed the penalty, the crowd began to jeer.
- It's not nice to jeer at someone who is trying their best.
- The controversial minister was met with a chorus of boos and jeers as she left the building.
- Protesters jeered at the police officers lined up across the street.
- Despite being jeered by a hostile audience, the speaker remained composed and finished her argument.
- His dismissive remarks were jeered down by the more knowledgeable members of the forum.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a stadium full of BEER-drinking fans who JEER at the losing team. The sounds rhyme and the image is strong.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM IS THROWING OBJECTS / SOUNDS (e.g., 'The crowd hurled jeers at him.')
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'cheer' (подбадривать, аплодировать). 'Jeer' — это насмешка, издевка, а не поддержка.
- Не является прямым эквивалентом 'дразнить' (to tease), так как 'jeer' гораздо агрессивнее и публичнее.
- Ближайший перевод — 'глумиться', 'освистывать'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'They jeered him support.' Correct: 'They jeered at him.' / 'They shouted jeers at him.'
- Confusing spelling: 'jeer' vs. 'jeep'.
Practice
Quiz
Which situation best illustrates the meaning of 'jeer'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The noun is also 'jeer,' meaning a rude and mocking remark or shout (e.g., 'a jeer from the crowd').
Yes, but it's less common. The pattern 'jeer at someone' is standard. Transitive use ('The crowd jeered the player') is accepted but often considered an ellipsis of 'jeer at.'
Very similar and often used together ('boos and jeers'). 'Boo' is the specific sound of disapproval. 'Jeer' involves actual words or mocking laughter and is more specific about verbal content.
It is informal and descriptive. In formal writing, alternatives like 'deride,' 'mock,' or 'heckle' might be preferred depending on the precise context.