a jest / an object of derision

[vil]

Dear teachers,

Would you be kind enough tell me whether there is a difference between "a jest" and "an object of derision"?

Thank yoiu in advance for your efforts.

Regards.

V.

[fromatto]

Originally Posted by vil

Dear teachers,

Would you be kind enough tell me whether there is a difference between "a jest" and "an object of derision"?

Thank yoiu in advance for your efforts.

Regards.

V.

Unless you have a specific example in mind, the two are different. A jest is a joke, and an object of derision is something which has been derided (fairly or unfairly).

To joke about something is not necessarily to deride it, especially since 'to jest' seems to be less intense than 'to joke'. We say 'it was only in jest', and we do not mean that we were only deriding someone or something.

Neither are the butts of the jokes necessarily objects of derision (with the exception of politicians). One can be the frequent target of jokes without feeling than one is being derided.

[vil]

Hi fromatto,

Thank you for sharing your practical experience and knowledge regarding the matter in question.

There are a few excerpts of the Answers.com which proved my good reason to put the question in my original post above.

jest (n) = a playful or amusing act; a prank. (“jest” is indisputably a joke as was mentioned above), but:

jest (n) = an object of ridicule; a laughingstock. (this one very likely is equivalent to “an object of derision” ) because:

laughingstock (n) = an object of jokes or ridicule; a butt.

jest (v) = to make fun or make fun of: deride, gibe, jeer, laugh mock ridicule, scoff, scout


jest: Definition, Synonyms and Much More from Answers.com

Regards.

V.