make fun of
/meɪk fʌn ɒv/
Meaning
To tease, laugh at, or mock someone or something in a lighthearted or unkind way. Depending on the context and relationship, it can be friendly banter or hurtful bullying.
Examples
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The other kids used to make fun of his glasses when he was in middle school.
The other kids used to make fun of his glasses when he was in middle school.
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It's not nice to make fun of the way someone speaks.
It's not nice to make fun of the way someone speaks.
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My friends always make fun of my terrible cooking skills, but it's all in good fun.
My friends always make fun of my terrible cooking skills, but it's all in good fun.
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They made fun of her outfit, which made her feel very self-conscious.
They made fun of her outfit, which made her feel very self-conscious.
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Don't make fun of him; he is doing the best he can.
Don't make fun of him; he is doing the best he can.
Common Mistakes
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✗ They made fun to my accent.
✓ They made fun of my accent.
Always use the preposition 'of' after 'make fun'. Do not use 'to' or 'with'.
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✗ He was making a fun of me.
✓ He was making fun of me.
The expression is 'make fun of' (uncountable noun). Do not use the indefinite article 'a' before 'fun'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Please don't ___ my singing; I know I am out of tune!
💡 To laugh at or tease someone about something.
Show answer
make fun of
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It is cruel to ___ someone's physical appearance.
💡 To mock or ridicule someone.
Show answer
make fun of