make game of: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘make game of’ mean?

The idiom "make game of" means to mock or ridicule someone or something in a light-hearted or playful manner. It implies making fun of someone or something without being overly harsh or hurtful.

Idiom Explorer

Unraveling Jestful Banter

The phrase "make fun of" is a related idiom to "make game of" and it conveys a similar meaning. When someone makes fun of someone else, they are teasing, mocking, or ridiculing them in a lighthearted or playful way. This can often be done among friends or in a joking manner. It is a form of amusement that involves poking fun at someone or something.

The idiom "make a mockery of" is also related to "make game of" and it has a slightly different nuance. When someone makes a mockery of something, they are not just teasing or making fun of it, but they are undermining its credibility or importance. It implies a more serious and intentional act of mocking, often with the intent to belittle or demean someone or something.

The idioms "make fun of" and "make a mockery of" can both be used in similar contexts as "make game of." They can be used to describe situations where someone is teasing, mocking, or ridiculing others for amusement or entertainment. Each of these idioms conveys a different degree of seriousness and intent in the act of mocking or ridiculing someone or something.

We often make jokes to mock and tease during game night.

It is important to note that while these idioms can be used in different contexts and carry slightly different connotations, they all involve the act of mocking or ridiculing someone or something. They are expressions of amusement or entertainment that involve teasing or belittling others and can range from lighthearted joking to more malicious forms of bullying or harassment.

The idiom "make game of" and its related idioms "make fun of" and "make a mockery of" are frequently used in everyday conversations, as well as in various forms of communication. They can be found in literature, journalism, and other written materials. These idioms are part of the English language's rich vocabulary and are understood by native speakers to convey the act of mocking or ridiculing others.

When writing or speaking, it is important to consider the intended audience and context in which these idioms are being used. While they can be used to add humor or convey certain attitudes, it is crucial to use them respectfully and appropriately. It is also important to vary the language and style of writing to maintain interest and engage the reader.

The idiom "make game of" is a phrase that conveys the act of mocking or ridiculing someone or something for amusement or entertainment. It is related to the idioms "make fun of" and "make a mockery of," each of which has its own nuances and connotations. These idioms are commonly used in both written and spoken discourse to describe situations of teasing, mocking, or belittling others. When using these idioms, it is important to be mindful of the intended audience and context, as well as vary the language and style of writing to maintain interest.

Example usage

Examples of the idiom "make game of" used in sentences:

  1. They always make game of my cooking skills.
  2. He was hurt when his friends made game of his new hairstyle.
  3. She felt ashamed when her classmates made game of her spelling mistake.

More "derision" idioms

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