take the piss

Definition

To tease, ridicule or mock (someone) (with out of).

Etymology

Possibly from piss-proud (“falsely presenting as successful”). In which case taking the piss out of would mean deflating their false pride, usually through disparagement or mockery. As the piss-proud metaphor became dated, taking the piss out of someone came to refer to disparagement or mockery itself, regardless of the pride of the subject. Eventually the shortened, intransitive form taking the piss became common.

Example Sentences

• "You know, cos he was like taking the piss out of them and they took the piss out of him."
• "A lot of that stuff that people take the piss out of all the time is actually useful."
• "He's either taking it easy or taking the piss by arriving at the eleventh hour."