Meaning
To mock or tease someone.
Cultural Background
In Italy, 'prendersi gioco' of an elder or a person in authority is considered a grave social faux pas. Respect for hierarchy is still present in many southern regions. Satirical TV shows like 'Striscia la Notizia' often use this phrase to describe how politicians or scammers 'si prendono gioco' of honest citizens. The concept of the 'beffa' (a practical joke) is a central theme in Italian literature, notably in Boccaccio's Decameron, where characters frequently 'si prendono gioco' of the gullible. While older generations use 'prendersi gioco', younger Italians are more likely to use 'trollare' (from the English 'to troll') in digital contexts, though the meaning is slightly different.
The 'Di' Rule
Always remember the 'di'. If you forget it, the sentence sounds like you are literally taking a physical game.
Don't over-use it
In a bar with friends, use 'prendere in giro'. 'Prendersi gioco di' can make you sound like a villain in a movie if used for small things.
Meaning
To mock or tease someone.
The 'Di' Rule
Always remember the 'di'. If you forget it, the sentence sounds like you are literally taking a physical game.
Don't over-use it
In a bar with friends, use 'prendere in giro'. 'Prendersi gioco di' can make you sound like a villain in a movie if used for small things.
Past Tense Agreement
Because it's reflexive, the past participle changes: 'Lei si è presa gioco', 'Loro si sono presi gioco'.
Irony is Key
Italians often use this phrase ironically to describe fate: 'Il destino si è preso gioco di me' (Fate mocked me).
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'prendersi gioco di'.
Ieri, i miei cugini ______ (passato prossimo) me perché non sapevo cucinare.
The auxiliary 'essere' is required for reflexive verbs, and the past participle 'presi' must agree with the plural subject 'cugini'.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a formal complaint?
You want to tell a company they are not taking your problem seriously.
'Prendersi gioco di' is more formal and serious than 'prendere in giro', making it better for a complaint.
Match the Italian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are common collocations for the idiom.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Perché sei arrabbiata? B: Perché quel ragazzo mi ha promesso un lavoro, ma poi è sparito. ______ me!
The context of deception requires the full reflexive idiom in the past tense.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Teasing vs. Mocking
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIeri, i miei cugini ______ (passato prossimo) me perché non sapevo cucinare.
The auxiliary 'essere' is required for reflexive verbs, and the past participle 'presi' must agree with the plural subject 'cugini'.
You want to tell a company they are not taking your problem seriously.
'Prendersi gioco di' is more formal and serious than 'prendere in giro', making it better for a complaint.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are common collocations for the idiom.
A: Perché sei arrabbiata? B: Perché quel ragazzo mi ha promesso un lavoro, ma poi è sparito. ______ me!
The context of deception requires the full reflexive idiom in the past tense.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt depends on the context, but it usually describes an offensive action. Saying someone is doing it is a way to call out their bad behavior.
Usually no, unless you are personifying the object (like 'the law' or 'fate'). You wouldn't say you are mocking a chair.
'Deridere' is a single verb and is much more formal. 'Prendersi gioco di' is more idiomatic and common in narrative.
Use 'Si prendono gioco l'uno dell'altro'.
Yes, to describe a company that doesn't respect its customers or a colleague who is being unprofessional.
No, it must be reflexive: 'prendersi'.
It is standard Italian used equally across the entire country.
90% of the time, yes. It implies a lack of respect or a trick.
Only to say someone is 'playing' with your heart, which is negative.
Respecting someone ('rispettare') or taking them seriously ('prendere sul serio').
Related Phrases
prendere in giro
similarTo tease or kid someone.
farsi beffe di
synonymTo mock with disdain.
deridere
synonymTo deride or mock.
stare al gioco
contrastTo play along with a joke.
mettere in ridicolo
builds onTo ridicule someone publicly.
