ridicule

Ridicule is the act of subjecting a person, idea, or institution to contemptuous laughter or derision, with the intent to mock or belittle. It may be verbal, visual, or behavioral, and can manifest as jokes, caricature, parody, sarcasm, or public scorn. Ridicule often relies on exaggeration, incongruity, or inversion to expose perceived absurdities.

The term derives from the Latin ridiculus meaning laughable, via Old French ridiculer. The modern sense developed in European languages during the early modern period, accompanying satirical literature and public discourse.

Ridicule appears in everyday social interactions, political satire, and media. It can function to uphold social norms by delegitimizing behavior deemed deviant, or to undermine opponents by portraying them as foolish. In contemporary discourse, ridicule may take the form of stand-up comedy, memes, cartoons, or online commentary and trolling.

Effects and ethics: Targeted ridicule can damage reputation, self-esteem, and social standing, and may contribute to harassment or discrimination. In some cases, ridicule aims to correct behavior or expose hypocrisy; in others, it is gratuitous or abusive. The ethics of using ridicule depend on intent, proportionality, and potential harm, with debates often framed as tensions between free expression and protection from humiliation.

Examples of ridicule include political cartoons, satire in literature and film, and internet memes that lampoon public figures or ideas.