mockers: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, idiomatic (chiefly UK, Australia, NZ)
Quick answer
What does “mockers” mean?
A noun (plural) referring to people who mock or ridicule someone or something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A noun (plural) referring to people who mock or ridicule someone or something.
Used almost exclusively in the British English idiom 'put the mockers on,' meaning to jinx, spoil, or bring bad luck to a plan or situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The idiom 'put the mockers on' is common in UK, Australian, and New Zealand English but is virtually unknown in American English, where 'jinx,' 'put a damper on,' or 'curse' would be used instead.
Connotations
In the idiom, it implies an external, almost supernatural, bad-luck influence that ruins prospects.
Frequency
Uncommon in American English; moderately common in British informal speech.
Grammar
How to Use “mockers” in a Sentence
[verb: put] the mockers on [object: plan/situation]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informal: 'The sudden market crash put the mockers on our expansion plans.'
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Informal: 'I think talking about the dry weather has put the mockers on it – it's starting to rain.'
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mockers”
- Using 'mockers' as a standalone noun outside the idiom (e.g., 'The mockers laughed' is archaic).
- Using the idiom in formal writing or American contexts where it is not recognised.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically yes, but it is now extremely rare and archaic. The dominant modern use is in the idiom 'put the mockers on'.
Generally, no. It is a British Commonwealth idiom. An American would likely say 'jinxed it' or 'put a damper on it'.
The etymology is uncertain but is considered to be early 20th century British slang, possibly from Yiddish or Romany influence, meaning 'to bring bad luck'.
No. The idiom is fixed as 'the mockers'. You cannot say 'put a mocker on'.
A noun (plural) referring to people who mock or ridicule someone or something.
Mockers is usually informal, idiomatic (chiefly uk, australia, nz) in register.
Mockers: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɒkəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːkərz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “put the mockers on something/someone”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of MOCK (to ridicule) + -ERS (people who do). The 'mockers' are like 'bad-luck people' who ridicule your plans until they fail.
Conceptual Metaphor
BAD LUCK IS A PERSON/AGENT (that mocks or ridicules your efforts).
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'put the mockers on' primarily express?