moquer

The French verb "moquer" means to mock, to make fun of, or to ridicule someone or something.

Meaning:

• Moquer involves ridiculing or laughing at someone, usually in a playful or sometimes scornful way.
• It is often used in a reflexive form: "se moquer de", which means to make fun of, to mock, or to laugh at.

Example:

• Ils se moquent de lui parce qu'il parle avec un accent.
  (They make fun of him because he speaks with an accent.)

Differences with synonyms:

• Railler: Means also to mock, but often more playful or witty, lighter teasing, sometimes in a clever or ironic manner.
• Ridiculiser: To ridicule; more severe than "moquer," implying causing humiliation or shame.
• Se gausser de: To mock derisively with laughter; harsher and sometimes more contemptuous than "moquer."
• Tancer: To chide or scold — not really a synonym but sometimes confused because it’s about criticism rather than mocking.

Summary:

• "Moquer" without reflexive pronoun directly means “to mock.”
• Most commonly used as "se moquer de", “to mock/laugh at someone.”
• It implies teasing or laughing, can be lighthearted or mean-spirited depending on context.
• Synonyms vary by the intensity and tone of the mockery.

Use "moquer" carefully in conversation as mocking can be hurtful if not done in playful spirit.