Meaning
挖苦 means to mock or ridicule someone through sarcastic or cutting remarks. It implies indirect criticism delivered in a sharp, often humorous way that makes the target feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. The tone is typically negative and involves intentionally pointing out someone's flaws or mistakes in a biting manner.
Usage
挖苦 is commonly used in informal contexts to describe sarcastic teasing or mockery that has a mean edge to it. It's stronger than gentle joking (开玩笑) and carries negative connotation. Often used with 被 in passive constructions like 被人挖苦 (to be mocked by someone). Native speakers frequently pair it with 讽刺 (to satirize) when discussing harsh criticism.
Examples
- 01他总是挖苦别人，让人很不舒服。, .He's always mocking others, which makes people very uncomfortable.
- 02她因为考试没考好被同学挖苦了。.She was mocked by her classmates because she didn't do well on the exam.
Characters
Common collocations
- 挖苦人to mock someone
- 被挖苦to be mocked
- 挖苦话sarcastic remarks
- 冷嘲热讽地挖苦to mock with cynicism and sarcasm
Antonyms
Origin
The compound 挖苦 literally combines 挖 (to dig) and 苦 (bitter), metaphorically suggesting 'digging out bitterness' or exposing painful truths in a harsh way, similar to how one might dig at a wound.