selfridiculemocking

Selfridiculemocking is the act or practice of ridiculing or mocking oneself, often in social interaction or performance. The term is not standard in psychology or linguistics and is used as a descriptive label for a pattern in which individuals deliberately undermine their own claims, abilities, or status through humor or self-directed ridicule. It encompasses verbal, physical, or performative acts and can be spontaneous or planned.

Forms and functions: Verbal self-deprecation includes jokes about one’s shortcomings; physical acts include self-effacing gestures; performative self-mockery uses persona or stagecraft. Motivations include defusing tension, signaling humility, increasing approachability, and mitigating power dynamics. It can serve as a social lubricant, an adaptive coping strategy, or a strategic device in negotiations or performances. It may also disclose vulnerability in a controlled way, inviting audience empathy.

Contexts and examples: Found in stand-up, talk shows, online content, and everyday conversation. In online communities, self-deprecating memes or posts can reinforce in-group belonging and soften critical feedback. In politics or leadership, self-mockery can humanize figures but may backfire if perceived as insincere or as avoiding accountability.

Critique and considerations: When overused, selfridiculemocking can erode self-esteem or reduce credibility. Effectiveness depends on timing, tone, authenticity, and audience norms. It relates to broader humor styles, including self-enhancing or aggressive humor.

See also: Self-deprecating humor; Humor theory; Facework.