British vulgar slang meaning to mock, ridicule, or take liberties.
Taking the piss
Etymology & History
British vulgar slang meaning to mock, ridicule, or take liberties. Possibly from deflating someone like draining liquid (piss). Used since late 19th century. Alternatively, from extracting urine (medieval medicine). 'Are you taking the piss?' questions if someone is joking/mocking. Quintessentially British idiom, very common across all classes despite vulgarity.
Word Details
๐
Region
General British
๐
Era
Victorian
๐
Language
Vulgar
๐ฌ
Formality
Slang
Categories:
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Anglotopia's Dictionary of British English 2nd Edition
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