mickey
5 synonyms for mickey, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Chiefly in the phrase "take the mickey": to tease or mock someone playfully.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use mickey
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
take the mickey
slip someone a mickey
Etymology
A nickname derived from "Michael," which became so common in Irish communities that it lent its name to various slang senses, including the drugged drink "Mickey Finn," named after a real (or legendary) Chicago bartender.
Full origin of mickey →Frequently asked questions
What does “mickey” mean?
The word “mickey” means chiefly in the phrase "take the mickey": to tease or mock someone playfully. In plain terms, best known in British/Irish English in the phrase "take the mickey" (to tease someone), and separately as slang for a spiked drink.
How do you pronounce “mickey”?
“Mickey” is pronounced MIH-kee (/ˈmɪki/ in IPA).
How do you use “mickey” in a sentence?
Here is “mickey” used in a sentence: “Stop taking the mickey out of his accent.”
What part of speech is “mickey”?
“Mickey” is a noun.
Where does the word “mickey” come from?
The word “mickey” comes from Irish.
Is “mickey” a common word?
“Mickey” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “mickey” have?
“Mickey” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: chiefly in the phrase "take the mickey": to tease or mock someone playfully.
What does it mean to "take the mickey" out of someone?
To "take the mickey" means to tease or mock someone playfully, usually in a lighthearted rather than malicious way. It is a common informal British expression used among friends or colleagues.
What is a Mickey Finn?
A Mickey Finn, often shortened to "mickey", refers to a drink that has been secretly spiked with a drug to make someone unconscious. The term is typically used in older slang or crime fiction contexts.
Is "take the mickey" formal or informal English?
"Take the mickey" is informal British English, commonly used in casual conversation rather than formal writing or speech. It is understood throughout the UK and other English-speaking countries influenced by British slang.
