mocker: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Literary (when describing a person); Very Informal/Colloquial (in phrase 'put the mocker on').
Quick answer
What does “mocker” mean?
A person who mocks, ridicules, or derides others.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who mocks, ridicules, or derides others.
One who treats someone or something with contempt or scorn; can refer to the act or habit of mocking itself. Also appears in the fixed phrase 'put the mocker(s) on' (informal), meaning to jinx or bring bad luck to something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The phrase 'put the mocker(s) on' is predominantly British, Australian, and New Zealand slang and is rarely used in American English. The noun for a person is understood but seldom used in everyday speech in both varieties.
Connotations
In British/Commonwealth usage, the phrase adds a superstitious or fatalistic connotation. In all varieties, calling someone a 'mocker' implies a mean-spirited or arrogant character.
Frequency
Rare in both. The phrase 'put the mocker(s) on' is more frequent in UK/AU/NZ informal contexts than the standalone noun is anywhere.
Grammar
How to Use “mocker” in a Sentence
mocker of [someone/something]the mocker [verb]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mocker” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was mocked for his accent.
- The policy was widely mocked in the press.
American English
- She mocked his outdated ideas.
- They mocked the proposal as unworkable.
adverb
British English
- 'Oh, brilliant,' he said mockingly.
- She smiled mockingly.
American English
- He laughed mockingly.
- She repeated his words mockingly.
adjective
British English
- He gave a mocking laugh.
- Her mocking tone was unmistakable.
American English
- He spoke in a mocking voice.
- She faced the mocking crowd.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused. Potentially in metaphorical criticism: 'He was the mocker of every new initiative.'
Academic
Rare. May appear in literary or historical analysis describing characters.
Everyday
Mostly in the phrase 'put the mocker on' (UK/AU/NZ). 'Don't say we'll win, you'll put the mocker on it!'
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mocker”
- Confusing 'mocker' (noun) with 'mockery' (the act or an instance of mocking).
- Using 'mocker' in formal writing where 'critic' or 'detractor' would be better.
- Overusing the standalone noun in modern speech.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word. The verb 'mock' and noun 'mockery' are far more common. The phrase 'put the mocker(s) on' is used in some dialects.
Primarily a person. In the fixed phrase 'put the mocker on', the word 'mocker' abstractly refers to a jinx or curse, not a person.
A 'mocker' implies scorn and personal derision, often mean-spirited. A 'satirist' uses humour, irony, and exaggeration for social or political criticism, which is more deliberate and often constructive.
Yes, it is a derogatory term that labels someone as disrespectful, scornful, and unkind. It is stronger than calling someone a 'teaser'.
A person who mocks, ridicules, or derides others.
Mocker is usually informal, literary (when describing a person); very informal/colloquial (in phrase 'put the mocker on'). in register.
Mocker: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɒkə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːkɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “put the mocker(s) on something/someone”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MOCKingbird that imitates others' songs – a MOCKER imitates others in a scornful way to ridicule them.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOCKING IS A PERFORMANCE (e.g., 'he played the mocker'), CONTEMPT IS LOOKING DOWN (e.g., 'she looked down on them as a mocker would').
Practice
Quiz
What does the informal phrase 'put the mocker on' primarily mean?