Teased

To tease means to make fun of someone in a playful and often irritating way, either verbally or through actions. It involves provoking or attempting to provoke someone into laughter, annoyance, or playful anger. Teasing can range from harmless banter to more pointed remarks, the intent being to elicit a reaction or playfully challenge the person. The severity and intent determine whether the action is considered innocent play or bullying. It can involve gently mocking something personal, highlighting an area of vulnerability, or making light of a situation to stir up a reaction. The effectiveness of teasing is context-dependent, and successful teasing depends heavily on the relationship between the teaser and the subject.

Teased meaning with examples

• During the family gathering, her older brother constantly Teased her about her new hairstyle, playfully exaggerating how much it resembled a bird's nest. She giggled along, knowing he was just trying to get a rise out of her. Their relationship meant this was harmless banter, even if it was sometimes mildly irritating.
• The comedian Teased the audience with a series of self-deprecating jokes, gently poking fun at his own appearance and life experiences. The laughter from the crowd proved that the humor landed. He built rapport by making light of himself, ensuring the audience felt safe and included in the shared comedic space.
• In the office, Sarah Teased Mark for always being late, but he knew it was meant affectionately, as it usually started and was followed by the same old smile. She’d use an over-the-top imitation of his hurried morning routine, and the other staff knew she was just making light of a repetitive issue.
• The coach constantly Teased his players during practice, yelling playfully at a dropped ball or missed shot, pushing them to improve without causing actual harm. His teasing acted as a motivator and kept the team's spirits up, helping them feel relaxed during periods of high stress.
• While waiting in line, the friends Teased each other about their upcoming plans, throwing subtle hints at their dates with sarcastic remarks that, by their nature, were meant to start a humorous discussion about all upcoming outings.