mockery / bargain
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mockery
Ridicule or derogatory, hurtful remarks about someone or something in order to make that person or thing look ridiculous.
Sein ungewöhnlicher Hut brachte ihm nur Spott und Gelächter ein.
His unusual hat brought him only mockery and laughter.
for a bargain price
For an extremely low, almost ridiculously cheap price.
Sie hat das alte Auto für einen Spottpreis auf dem Flohmarkt gekauft.
She bought the old car at the flea market for a bargain price.
'Der Spott' (mockery) belongs to the verb 'spotten über' (+ accusative). When you 'über jemanden spotten' (mock someone), you make fun of that person.
Die Kinder spotteten über seinen alten Mantel.
The children mocked his old coat.
Common phrases are 'Spott ernten' (to be met with mockery) or the fixed combination 'Spott und Hohn' (mockery and scorn), used to intensify the ridicule.
Für seine Idee erntete er anfangs nur Spott.
At first, he was met only with mockery for his idea.
In the meaning 'Verhöhnung' (ridicule/mockery), 'Spott' is an uncountable noun. It is therefore not used in the plural.
Sein Gesichtsausdruck war voller Spott.
His facial expression was full of mockery.
The phrase 'für einen Spottpreis' (for a bargain price) is a fixed expression. It always means that something is extremely cheap.
Er hat das Fahrrad für einen Spottpreis bekommen.
He got the bicycle for a bargain price.
sarcasm
Spott generally refers to comments or actions that make someone look ridiculous. Sarkasmus is a particularly biting form of Spott and often means the opposite of what is said. Use Spott for general mockery, and Sarkasmus for a hurtful remark that is often phrased to mean the opposite.
Nach Pauls Versprecher musste er den Spott seiner Kollegen ertragen.
After Paul’s slip of the tongue, he had to endure his colleagues’ mockery.
Nach Pauls Versprecher war Mias Bemerkung, er spreche wirklich perfekt, reiner Sarkasmus.
After Paul’s slip of the tongue, Mia’s remark that he spoke absolutely perfectly was pure sarcasm.
