Ridiculicen

Ridiculicen is a neologism used to describe the deliberate deployment of ridicule as a social tactic in online and offline discourse. It refers to both the act of mocking others and the broader culture that normalizes ridicule as a means of shaping opinions, discrediting opponents, or policing behavior.

The coinage likely arose in online communities in the mid-2010s; its etymology is uncertain, and it has gained traction through memes and comment threads.

Ridiculicen operates in several modes: direct insults, mockery memes, and derisive humor; it is often used to challenge arguments by ridicule rather than evidence. It can be a form of satire when aimed at ideas, but it frequently blurs into personal harassment.

Public discussion on ridiculicen notes its potential to reveal weak arguments, while also contributing to a hostile online climate. Critics argue it lowers the quality of discourse and excludes participation, whereas defenders claim it can expose logical fallacies and deter bad actors. The effect often depends on context and intent.

See also: trolling, flaming, satire, and critical discourse analysis.