Take the piss
Meaning: To mock or ridicule; to take advantage (British)
British expression meaning to mock, tease, or make fun of someone. Also means to take liberties or be unreasonable. Crude but very common.
Examples
- Are you taking the piss? 你在开我玩笑吗?¿Me estás tomando el pelo?からかってるの?지금 놀리는 거야?
- He's always taking the piss out of me. 他总是拿我开涮。Siempre se está burlando de mí.彼はいつも私をからかう。그는 항상 나를 놀려.
- £50? They're taking the piss! 50英镑?太坑了吧!¿50 libras? ¡Se están pasando!50ポンド?ふざけてる!50파운드? 장난하는 거야!
- Stop taking the piss.别开玩笑了。Deja de tomarme el pelo.からかうのやめて。놀리지 마.
Pronunciation
/teɪk ðə pɪs/
Usage Guide
Context: mockery, incredulity, social
Tone: crude, emphatic
✓ Do Say
- Taking the piss.你在开玩笑吗?¿Me tomas el pelo?からかってるの?놀리고 있는 거야.
- Are you taking the piss?拿某人开涮Burlarse de alguien誰かをからかう지금 놀리는 거야?
- They're taking the piss.太坑了Se pasanふざけてる걔네가 놀리고 있어.
✗ Don't Say
- Crude language粗俗语言Lenguaje crudo下品な言葉거친 표현
- Very British非常英式Muy británicoとてもイギリス的매우 영국적인 표현
Common Mistakes
- Very crude—avoid in formal settings
- Americans say 'are you kidding me'
Origin & History
British vulgar slang from early 20th century. 'Piss' was deflated pride. Taking it means deflating someone or being ridiculous.
Etymology: From deflating someone's pride
First recorded: British slang from early 20th century
Cultural Context
Era: Early 20th century onwards
Generation: All ages in UK
Social background: Universal
Pop culture: Essential British expression; British humor
Regional notes: Very British. Crude but universal in UK. Americans may not understand.
Variations
Related Phrases
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