a person who always makes fun of others is called

The Psychology Behind a person who always makes fun of others is called

Consistently making fun of others isn’t harmless teasing—it’s a pattern. And patterns usually stem from something deeper.

Insecurity is often the root. If someone needs to put others down to feel confident, they’re looking for control. Laughing at someone else’s expense gives them a shortlived power trip.

Sometimes, it’s learned behavior. Maybe they grew up in an environment where sarcasm and ridicule were typical. To them, it’s normal—even if it hurts the people around them.

Other times, the person might lack social awareness. They don’t know where the line is. What they think is “just joking” lands as meanspirited or cruel.

Possible Labels for People Like This

So what exactly is a person who always makes fun of others is called? No single term fits everyone, but here are a few possibilities:

Bully: If the mockery is targeted, consistent, and makes someone feel inferior, this title fits. Tease: A lighter term, but still implies a pattern of making fun. Verbal abuser: When it becomes psychologically harmful over time. Insecure or attentionseeking: These describe the underlying motivation, not the action itself. Comic relief gone wrong: Some think they’re just trying to be funny. But if no one’s laughing with them, they’re missing the mark.

The key difference? Intention and impact. Some jokes hit hard because they’re meant to. Others sting because the person is tonedeaf.

Common Traits of Chronic Mockers

They tend to share a few red flags:

Frequent sarcasm: It’s their goto weapon. Deflecting criticism: When called out, they say “you’re too sensitive.” Group behavior: They often perform for an “audience,” using laughs as validation. Lack of empathy: They don’t consider how others might feel. Status games: Making fun helps them feel above others.

If you recognize these traits in someone around you, trust your gut. The pattern matters more than the punchline.

Why This Behavior Persists

There’s a payoff. Jokes, even cruel ones, get laughs. That creates a feedback loop—tell a joke, get attention, feel good, repeat.

In some workplaces or friend groups, this kind of humor gets normalized. No one pushes back because everyone’s afraid of being next.

The mocker becomes the unofficial “jester”—and nobody invokes the jester’s wrath.

What You Can Do About It

Whether it’s a coworker, a friend, or a toxic family member, there are a few ways to handle someone who crosses the line:

Call it out—calmly: “That comment wasn’t funny to me.” A simple, direct response is your best move. Set boundaries: If it keeps happening, let them know where your line is. Use humor back: Mirror the sarcasm without being cruel. It can disarm without escalating. Walk away: Disengage. If they don’t have an audience, the joke loses power. Document it (if serious): In professional settings, this can turn into harassment. Keep a record if needed.

Your silence doesn’t mean consent. You get to decide what you let slide.

When to Take It Seriously

Sometimes, it goes beyond jokes. If someone’s “teasing” feels targeted, persistent, and results in emotional distress, that’s not okay.

This is often true in schools, relationships, and the workplace.

Watch for:

Mocking your appearance, intelligence, or background repeatedly Rallying others to laugh at you Ignoring your requests to stop

That’s not humor. That’s emotional erosion.

Can These People Change?

Sure. But only if they see the impact and want to. Sometimes pointing it out helps. Other times the person doubles down or gaslights the reaction.

You’re not responsible for their behavior—just how you respond to it.

If you’ve ever heard someone justify mean comments with “I’m just being real”—remember: honesty without kindness is cruelty.

Final Thought

A person who always makes fun of others is called a lot of things. But at the core, they’re someone chasing approval at someone else’s expense. That’s not clever. It’s destructive.

Don’t let the laugh track fool you. If a joke needs a victim, maybe it’s just not that funny.