Useful English Word or Phrase to Boost Your English: To take the piss

What does it mean?

There are two main meanings. 1. when someone is joking and joking in an unkind way 2. when someone is taking advantage of someone or a situation.

Is it positive or negative?

It has more negative meanings than positive. The context will be key to understanding which one is being used.

When do you use it?

If someone is always joking about something in an unkind way it can be used. It can also be used in your defence to show you're not being serious and just joking, and to show someone is taking advantage of you.

Examples

Example 1: Are you taking the piss?

Example 2: He was just taking the piss.

Example 3: The taxi driver said it would cost 100 to get to the airport. WhatIt's only 15 minutes away. He's taking taking the piss. That's called "To take the piss".

Example 4: Mate, I'm only taking in the piss, don't worry. That's called "To take the piss".

Question for you

When do you joke and take the piss with friends?

Are you looking for English speaking practice online?

A phrase like "To take the piss" can make you sound more natural straight away. I teach practical speaking in online English lessons with a British native speaker, so you know when and how to use it. You can also explore To Tan Something. Find out more here.