调侃 tiáokǎn to ridicule
to ridicule; to tease; to mock; idle talk; chitchat
How to remember 调侃: 调 tune + 侃 upright and strong = to ridicule.
Characters
How it is used
- To tease/rib good-naturedly - 他喜欢调侃朋友 (tā xǐhuan tiáokǎn péngyou) he likes to poke fun at his friends; 自我调侃 (zìwǒ tiáokǎn) to make fun of oneself.
- Note the reading tiáo (not diào). Light and playful, not hurtful, unlike 讽刺 (fěngcì, cutting satire).
- Colloquial/casual; the humor is affectionate banter.