In 15 Seconds
- Repeatedly teasing or criticizing one specific person unfairly.
- Often involves a power imbalance, like a boss or older sibling.
- Can be used for both serious bullying and playful joking.
Meaning
To pick on someone means to repeatedly treat them unfairly, criticize them, or tease them, usually because they seem weaker or different.
Key Examples
3 of 6Siblings arguing at home
Mom, tell Billy to stop picking on me because of my glasses!
Mom, tell Billy to stop teasing me about my glasses!
Defending a friend at a party
Hey, don't pick on him just because he doesn't drink alcohol.
Hey, don't tease him just because he doesn't drink.
A tense workplace meeting
I feel like you're picking on my department's budget specifically.
I feel like you are unfairly targeting my department's budget.
Cultural Background
Bullying and 'picking on' others is a major topic in American schools. There are strict 'zero-tolerance' policies, and the phrase is often used in counseling and disciplinary contexts. In the UK, 'picking on' someone can sometimes be seen as 'banter' (playful teasing), but the line between banter and bullying is a frequent point of cultural discussion. The concept of 'ijime' (picking on/bullying) is often collective in Japan, where a whole group might pick on one individual to maintain group harmony (wa). Australians often use 'picking on' in the context of 'Tall Poppy Syndrome,' where people who are too successful or 'showy' are targeted for criticism.
Inseparable Verb
Never put the person's name between 'pick' and 'on'. It's always 'pick on Sarah,' never 'pick Sarah on.'
Passive Voice
If you want to sound more natural when talking about your own experience, use the passive: 'I was picked on' sounds more common than 'They picked on me.'
In 15 Seconds
- Repeatedly teasing or criticizing one specific person unfairly.
- Often involves a power imbalance, like a boss or older sibling.
- Can be used for both serious bullying and playful joking.
What It Means
Imagine someone constantly pointing out your small mistakes. Or maybe a big brother always teasing his younger sister. That is pick on. It is not just a one-time joke. It is a pattern of behavior. You are choosing one person to be your target. It feels unfair and often annoying.
How To Use It
You use pick on followed by the person being teased. For example, Stop picking on me! It is a phrasal verb, so it stays together. You can use it for serious bullying. You can also use it for light, playful teasing between friends. Just remember, the person being 'picked on' is usually the 'underdog' in that moment.
When To Use It
Use it at school if you see a bully. Use it at home if your parents are only criticizing you and not your siblings. You can even use it at work. If your boss only checks your emails but nobody else's, they are picking on you. It is perfect for calling out unfairness.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for a fair fight. If two people are arguing equally, nobody is picking on anyone. Also, do not use it for general bad luck. If your car breaks down, you don't say the car is picking on you. It usually requires a person doing the action. Avoid it in very legal or high-court documents. Use harass or discriminate there instead.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, there is a strong 'anti-bully' sentiment. Calling someone out for picking on others is seen as brave. It is a very common phrase in 90s American high school movies. It highlights the power dynamic between the 'cool kids' and the 'nerds.'
Common Variations
You might hear pick at. That is different! Pick at is for food or a scab. Pick on is for people. You might also hear stop picking on someone your own size. This is a classic movie line. It means you should challenge someone who can actually fight back!
Usage Notes
It is mostly informal or neutral. In a HR report, you might use 'harassment,' but in the breakroom, you'd say 'picking on.'
Inseparable Verb
Never put the person's name between 'pick' and 'on'. It's always 'pick on Sarah,' never 'pick Sarah on.'
Passive Voice
If you want to sound more natural when talking about your own experience, use the passive: 'I was picked on' sounds more common than 'They picked on me.'
Teasing vs. Picking
In English, 'teasing' can be a sign of friendship, but 'picking on' is almost always seen as a negative behavior.
Examples
6Mom, tell Billy to stop picking on me because of my glasses!
Mom, tell Billy to stop teasing me about my glasses!
A classic example of sibling rivalry.
Hey, don't pick on him just because he doesn't drink alcohol.
Hey, don't tease him just because he doesn't drink.
Used to stop social pressure or light bullying.
I feel like you're picking on my department's budget specifically.
I feel like you are unfairly targeting my department's budget.
Used to point out perceived unfairness in a professional setting.
Why are you picking on me today? lol
Why are you making fun of me today? haha
The 'lol' makes it clear this is friendly banter.
I noticed some boys were picking on the new student during recess.
I noticed some boys were bullying the new student.
Used by an authority figure to describe a problem.
The universe is really picking on me today; first my coffee spilled, now this!
The world is really against me today.
Personifying the universe to show frustration.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'pick on'.
The older students used to ______ the younger ones during lunch break.
'Pick on' is the correct phrasal verb for bullying or teasing.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct sentence:
'Pick on' is inseparable, so the object 'me' must come last.
Match the sentence to the most likely context.
Sentence: 'Why are you picking on me? I did my homework!'
Students often feel 'picked on' if they are singled out for criticism in class.
Fill in the missing words in the dialogue.
A: Stop ______ on your brother! B: But he started it!
We use the -ing form after 'stop' to describe an ongoing action.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Pick On vs. Pick At
Practice Bank
4 exercisesThe older students used to ______ the younger ones during lunch break.
'Pick on' is the correct phrasal verb for bullying or teasing.
Select the correct sentence:
'Pick on' is inseparable, so the object 'me' must come last.
Sentence: 'Why are you picking on me? I did my homework!'
Students often feel 'picked on' if they are singled out for criticism in class.
A: Stop ______ on your brother! B: But he started it!
We use the -ing form after 'stop' to describe an ongoing action.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, in 99% of cases, it implies unfairness or unkindness. Even when used for 'selecting' someone for a task, it implies the task is unwanted.
Yes, you can say someone is 'picking on the dog' if they are teasing or bothering it repeatedly.
'Bullying' is a broader, more serious term that can include physical violence. 'Picking on' is often verbal or social and is a bit more informal.
Yes, this is a common way to say someone is focusing too much on your small errors.
The past tense is 'picked on'. The verb 'pick' is regular.
It's better to use 'victimize' or 'harass' in very formal writing, but 'pick on' is fine for most standard essays.
Usually, yes. You pick on people or animals. You don't 'pick on' a car or a house.
'Sticking up for someone' or 'supporting someone' are good opposites.
Yes, it is a transitive, inseparable phrasal verb.
No, you must say who is being picked on. 'Stop picking on him!'
Related Phrases
bully
synonymTo use strength or influence to harm or intimidate those who are weaker.
tease
similarTo laugh at or make fun of someone in a playful or unkind way.
gang up on
builds onWhen a group of people joins together to attack or criticize one person.
stick up for
contrastTo support or defend someone who is being criticized.
rag on
informalTo tease or criticize someone constantly.
