Pulling one’s chain.
Taking the mickey
Example Sentences
"You should hear how they use 'Taking the mickey' in Britain."
"It's quite common to say 'Taking the mickey' in the UK."
Etymology & History
British expression meaning to mock or tease, possibly from Cockney rhyming slang 'Mickey Bliss' = piss (as in 'taking the piss'). Less vulgar alternative that spread from working-class to general usage. 'Are you taking the mickey?' questions if someone is joking/mocking.
Word Details
📍
Region
London/Cockney
📅
Era
Modern
🔞
Language
Vulgar
💬
Formality
Slang
Categories:
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Anglotopia's Dictionary of British English 2nd Edition
British Slang from A to Zed
By Jonathan Thomas
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