“Razz” is a verb that means to tease or make fun of someone in a good - natured or slightly mocking way. Here are some synonyms and their analyses:
1. Tease
- Meaning: “Tease” means to make fun of or joke with someone in a playful manner. It often implies a light - hearted intention to provoke a reaction or a smile. For example, “The siblings would always tease each other about their little quirks.” In comparison to “razz,” “tease” is a more general term and can cover a wide range of playful taunting behaviors. It doesn't necessarily have the same slightly edgy or raucous quality that “razz” might have.
- Example: “She teased her friend about his new haircut, saying he looked like a famous pop star from the 80s.”
2. Taunt
- Meaning: “Taunt” means to provoke or challenge someone with scornful or mocking remarks. It has a more negative and sometimes aggressive connotation than “razz.” For example, “The opposing team's fans taunted the losing players with shouts of derision.” While “razz” can be good - natured, “taunt” is often used to describe behavior that is meant to hurt or annoy the target.
- Example: “The bully taunted the smaller boy, making him feel miserable.”
3. Joke around with
- Meaning: This phrase means to engage in light - hearted joking or bantering with someone. It implies a friendly and fun - loving atmosphere. For example, “The colleagues would joke around with each other during lunch breaks.” In relation to “razz,” “joke around with” emphasizes the playfulness and mutual enjoyment of the interaction. It's less likely to have the element of mild mockery that “razz” might carry.
- Example: “They joked around with their boss about his strict dress code, but in a friendly way.”
4. Rib
- Meaning: “Rib” means to tease or make fun of someone in a good - natured way, especially among friends. It's a more informal term. For example, “The guys in the team would rib the new player about his nervousness.” “Rib” is very similar to “razz” in the sense that it implies a light - hearted and somewhat affectionate form of teasing.
- Example: “She ribbed her brother about his clumsy dancing at the party.”