These words mean to show one’s disapproval or scorn by making remarks intended to belittle or disparage. To scoff is to speak slightingly and with derision of something usually accorded honour, reverence or respect by others: to scoff at someone’s fervent patriotism; to scoff at advice given by one’s elder; to scoff at the teachings of a church. To poke fun is similar to scoff and most of the other words in this essay, except that it is milder in tone and used more informally: She poked fun at the colour of his new tie.

Sneer carries a much stronger feeling of cynicism, superciliousness and the deliberate wish to wound. To sneer is to make a contemptuous contortion of the facial muscles while uttering brief, cutting remarks that are intended to cast an unfavourable light on whatever is being attacked: to sneer at an adolescent’s attempts to be grown-up and independent; to sneer at the furniture in someone’s home.

Jeer means to scoff in a rude and open way. It carries the suggestion of mocking laughter and even shouting or booing: During the French Revolution crowds in the street jeered at the prisoners being driven to the guillotine.

Gibe and taunt mean to rail at someone with sarcastic and contemptuous remarks: During the radio interview, the critic gibed at the young novelist for imitating Hemingway’s style in his work. Gibe , however, also retains some of the meaning residing in its French derivation ?"to treat roughly in play" ?and gibing may also be good-natured bantering or twitting: The two old men who met daily on the park bench constantly gibed at each other about their political opinions. Taunt is a stronger word than gibe . It means to insult and upbraid in a defiant way and also carries overtones of reproach: The fifth-class pupils taunted the new boy because he spoke broken English and did not know how to play cricket. As in gibe , there may be an element of teasing in taunt , but such teasing is likely to be harsh and cruel.