Razzing

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Making fun of someone in a lighthearted and playful way
2. Jokingly criticizing or taunting a person without serious intent
3. Mocking or teasing someone in a way meant to be humorous rather than hurtful

Etymology: "Razzing" is the present participle of "razz", which is a clipping of "raspberry". The raspberry, the rude noise made by putting the tongue between the lips and blowing, is the sound-effect origin, and "razz" carries that gesture of derision into a mocking, teasing tone. To razz someone is to needle them with jeers or good-natured ribbing rather than to insult them outright. The clipping is the most telling part. The longer phrase kept its full shape for the sound, while the shortened form became a verb in its own right, so a rude blowing noise turned into a mild way of teasing a friend.

Synonyms: teasing, mocking, ridiculing

Antonyms: praising, complimenting, supporting