mocking
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mocking
Expresses mockery or scorn in a hurtful or condescending way. A mocking remark or a mocking smile shows that someone does not take someone or something seriously, or is making fun of them.
Mit einem spöttischen Lächeln kommentierte er meinen Vorschlag.
With a mocking smile, he commented on my suggestion.
The adjective 'spöttisch' (mocking) is derived from the noun 'der Spott' (mockery, scorn, irony) and the verb 'spotten (über)' (to mock, to make fun of). If you know these words, you understand the meaning immediately.
Sein Spott über meine Kleidung hat mich sehr geärgert.
His mockery of my clothes really annoyed me.
'Spöttisch' (mocking) often describes a type of nonverbal or verbal communication. Common combinations are 'ein spöttisches Lächeln' (a mocking smile), 'eine spöttische Bemerkung' (a mocking remark), 'ein spöttischer Blick' (a mocking look), or 'ein spöttischer Tonfall' (a mocking tone of voice).
Er zog mit einem spöttischen Blick eine Augenbraue hoch.
He raised an eyebrow with a mocking look.
You can use 'spöttisch' (mocking) in two ways: directly before a noun (attributively) or as an adverb to describe how an action is carried out.
Das war eine spöttische Frage, keine ehrliche.
That was a mocking question, not an honest one.
ironic
'ironisch' and 'spöttisch' can both occur in remarks that are not meant entirely kindly. 'ironisch' often means that someone says the opposite, and the real meaning becomes clear through the tone. This can also be humorous. 'spöttisch' emphasizes more strongly that someone is making fun of a person or thing and not taking them seriously. It often sounds condescending or hurtful. The words can be confused because irony sometimes sounds mocking. If the contrast between what is said and what is meant is important, 'ironisch' fits. If laughing at someone or putting them down is important, 'spöttisch' fits.
In der Pause lachten wir nicht mit, weil sein Ton sehr spöttisch war.
During the break, we did not laugh along because his tone was very mocking.
Die Chefin hat ironisch gefragt, ob der Stau heute wieder unser bester Freund sei.
The boss asked ironically whether the traffic jam was our best friend again today.