嘲讽 is a compound verb meaning 'to satirize' or 'to ridicule sarcastically.' The first character 嘲 (cháo) conveys mockery or derision, often with a tone of contempt or amusement, while 讽 (fěng) adds the nuance of indirect, witty, or literary criticism—like satire in writing or speech. Together, they emphasize intentional, often clever or cutting, verbal mockery aimed at exposing flaws, hypocrisy, or absurdity.

This word is commonly used in formal and semi-formal contexts—such as literary criticism, political commentary, social media discourse, or classroom discussions about rhetoric. It carries a stronger, more pointed connotation than simple teasing (开玩笑) and implies the speaker’s judgment or disapproval. While it can appear in spoken language, it’s more frequent in written Chinese and tends to sound sharper and more deliberate than synonyms like 嘲笑 or 讥讽.