B2 verb Informal 1 min read

挖苦

waku /wa1 ku3/
Practice it

To use biting sarcasm or sharp remarks to mock someone with the intent to belittle them.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • To use cutting remarks to mock or tease someone.
  • Often implies malicious intent or a desire to belittle.
  • Commonly used in interpersonal conflicts or competitive environments.

Overview

  1. 1概述：挖苦是一种通过言语攻击来表达不满或优越感的行为，其核心在于言不由衷的讽刺。它不仅仅是开玩笑，而是带有一定程度的恶意，旨在通过贬低他人来达成某种心理目的。2) 使用模式：挖苦常作为谓语动词，后面可接具体对象，如“挖苦某人”。它经常与副词连用，例如“冷嘲热讽地挖苦”、“刻意挖苦”。3) 常见语境：该词多见于人际冲突、职场竞争或家庭矛盾中。当一个人对别人的失败感到幸灾乐祸，或者对别人的表现不满时，往往会使用挖苦的语气。例如，在职场中，同事可能会用挖苦的话语来打击竞争对手的自信心。4) 近义词比较：与“讽刺”相比，“挖苦”的情感色彩更浓，攻击性更强，往往表现出一种尖酸刻薄的倾向；与“嘲笑”相比，“挖苦”更侧重于通过言语的修辞手段（如反话）来达到伤害对方的目的，而非单纯的笑话。

Examples

1

他总是喜欢挖苦别人，这让大家都很反感。

everyday

He always likes to mock others, which makes everyone dislike him.

2

在正式场合，这种挖苦的言辞是非常不妥当的。

formal

Such sarcastic remarks are highly inappropriate in formal settings.

3

别挖苦我了，我已经够难受了。

informal

Stop mocking me, I'm already feeling bad enough.

4

文学作品中常通过挖苦来讽刺社会的黑暗面。

academic

Literature often uses sarcasm to mock the dark side of society.

Common Collocations

冷嘲热讽 Sarcastic and biting remarks
故意挖苦 Deliberately mock
挖苦一番 Give someone a round of mockery

Common Phrases

没完没了地挖苦

Endlessly mocking

不仅不帮忙，反而挖苦

Not only not helping, but mocking instead

话里带刺

Words with thorns (sarcastic)

Often Confused With

挖苦 vs 讽刺

讽刺 (sarcasm/satire) is broader and can be used in literature or social commentary, while 挖苦 is specifically focused on interpersonal attacks.

挖苦 vs 嘲笑

嘲笑 (ridicule) can be more direct and louder, whereas 挖苦 is often more insidious and uses indirect, sharp language.

Grammar Patterns

Subject + 挖苦 + Object Subject + 喜欢 + 挖苦 + Object Subject + 总是 + 挖苦 + Object

How to Use It

Usage Notes

The word '挖苦' is strictly negative and informal to neutral in register. It should be avoided in professional or polite social interactions. It describes a behavior that intends to belittle rather than just humor.

Common Mistakes

Learners often use it to mean 'teasing' or 'joking', but it is much harsher. Do not use it when describing friendly banter. It should only be used when the intent is clearly hostile.

Tips

💡

Focus on the intent behind words

Remember that '挖苦' is defined by the malicious intent. Always distinguish between playful teasing and intentional verbal belittling.

⚠️

Avoid using it in professional settings

Using '挖苦' in a workplace can severely damage professional relationships. It is considered unprofessional and hostile communication.

🌍

Cultural sensitivity to indirect speech

In Chinese culture, face is important. '挖苦' is particularly offensive because it publicly attacks someone's dignity or 'face'.

Word Origin

The term combines 'digging' into someone's faults and leaving a 'bitter' taste. It reflects the metaphorical action of digging up someone's weaknesses to cause emotional pain.

Cultural Context

In Chinese culture, maintaining harmony is valued. '挖苦' is seen as a disruptive and disrespectful behavior that violates social etiquette, especially when directed at elders or superiors.

Memory Tip

Think of '挖' (dig) and '苦' (bitter). It's like digging into someone's wounds with bitter words.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

开玩笑通常是为了娱乐，双方都能感受到幽默感，没有恶意。而挖苦则带有明显的恶意和讽刺意味，旨在伤害对方的自尊或使其难堪。

当你想描述某人说话尖酸刻薄，故意让别人感到不舒服或羞愧时，可以使用这个词。例如：他在会上故意挖苦同事的失误。

是的，挖苦在绝大多数语境下都是贬义词。它描述的是一种不友善、缺乏教养或攻击性的沟通方式。

可以使用 sarcasm, mock, sneer 或 make cutting remarks 来表达。根据语境的严重程度，可以选择最合适的词汇。

Test Yourself

fill blank

他因为嫉妒同事的成功，总是在背后___别人。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 挖苦

根据上下文，他嫉妒同事，因此言行应当是负面的，故选挖苦。

multiple choice

下列哪句话带有挖苦的意味？

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: c

选项C通过反语暗示对方穿得难看，带有明显的挖苦意味。

sentence building

请用“挖苦”描述一个场景。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: b

选项B逻辑完整且准确地使用了该词。

Score: /3

Related Content

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!