self-mockery

noun

self-mock·​ery ˌself-ˈmä-k(ə-)rē How to pronounce self-mockery (audio)
plural self-mockeries
: action or speech in which one mocks or makes fun of oneself : mockery of oneself
Before he retired from baseball in 1954, Mr. Garagiola was acquiring a reputation as a popular after-dinner speaker in his native St. Louis, with an endearing quality of self-mockery.—Bart Barnes
She directed a scathing self-mockery at her own talents, looks, and intellectual efforts …—Jean Strouse
self-mocking
ˌself-ˈmä-kiŋ How to pronounce self-mockery (audio)
adjective
self-mocking humor
a self-mocking smile/laugh
the author's self-mocking tone

Examples of self-mockery in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Instead, the museum focuses on language, relationships, self-mockery, and life’s absurdities, with rakija served to visitors as the ultimate symbol of Balkan resilience. — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026 His Hammness does show up, tongue planted firmly in his photogenic cheek, and reminds you that nobody does handsome-guy self-mockery better than Jon Hamm. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2026 Hackett’s jokes are pretty solid, and her on-stage persona is an appealing mix of breezy assurance and knowing self-mockery. — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2025 The fire of his ambition as an artist was balanced by a cool sense of absurdity, with flashes of gentle self-mockery. — Literary Hub, 20 Nov. 2025 The other four actors in the scene playing the human members of the band are fully exposed and great at both dancing and self-mockery. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 2024 The layers of self-mockery are kind of impossible to decipher. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 9 Dec. 2024 John’s autobiography is distinguished by its candor, and its healthy balance of self-mockery and self-knowledge. — David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Sep. 2024 Rife with self-mockery, his work dares to register the brilliant, kaleidoscopic puzzle of selfhood. — Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-mockery was in 1657

Rhymes for self-mockery

See All Rhymes for self-mockery

Browse Nearby Words

self-medication
self-mockery
self-mortification
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-mockery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-mockery. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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