punch down
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To make fun of or attack people who are weaker or less powerful than you.
Literal meaning: In boxing, to hit someone below your weight class — metaphorically extended to targeting those with less power.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To mock, criticise, or attack people or groups with less power, privilege, or status than oneself.
"Critics accused the comedian of punching down by making jokes at the expense of homeless people."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Very commonly used in discussions about comedy, social media, and politics. Considered poor form — 'punching down' is broadly seen as unfair and unkind. Opposite of 'punch up'. Relatively recent usage, mostly in cultural criticism.
Commonly used with
comedy joke humour privilege power comedian politician
Forms
Base
punch down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
punches down
he/she/it
Past simple
punched down
yesterday
Past participle
punched down
have + pp
-ing form
punching down
continuous
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