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Derision Quotes

On humor sharp enough to leave a mark.

Derision walks a fine line between comedy and cruelty, and these quotes come from writers who've used it deliberately, whether through satire or a show built entirely on mockery. They pair well with our About quotes for more on how humor shapes perspective.

'Laura' was overtly political for sure. Caspary was trying to make a point about women and independence and how men viewed them, with derision or condescension or on a pedestal, when the real person was ignored.

Quotes by Sarah Weinman

He must be independent and brave, and sure of himself and of the importance of his work, because if he isn't he will never survive the scorching blasts of derision that will probably greet his first efforts.

Quotes by Robert E. Sherwood

When I was younger, I did a TV show in the U.K. for a couple years, and I learned a lot from that. It taught me a lot about being known amongst your peers and having to deal with a...

Quotes by Richard Madden

When I was younger, I did a TV show in the U.K. for a couple years, and I learned a lot from that. It taught me a lot about being known amongst your peers and having to deal with a...

Quotes by Richard Madden

About Quotes

What is satire if not a marriage of civil disobedience to a laugh track, a potent brew of derision and lack of respect that acts as a nettle sting on the thin skin of the humourless?

Quotes by Mona Eltahawy

Humor and laughter - not necessarily derogatory derision - are my pet tools. This may come from my general philosophy of never taking the world too seriously - for fear of dying of boredom.

Quotes by Marcel Duchamp

Nor shall derision prove powerful against those who listen to humanity or those who follow in the footsteps of divinity, for they shall live forever. Forever.

Khalil Gibran

In fact, I can confidently say that 'South Park's' penchant for unbridled derision has been directly responsible for my own joy in some times of terrible sadness.

Quotes by Kat Timpf

Anyone could be in the orchestra, or sports team, or arts club at my school. It was precisely the kind of inclusivity that now meets with a sort of scorn and derision as a prizes-for-all culture that generates only mediocrity....

Quotes by Elizabeth Price

Against Quotes

I like to make people laugh. That's for sure. And I really like to humiliate myself and go very far in derision and stuff. But no, I like everything. I started a little bit of doing drama, too. I like...

Quotes by Charlotte Le Bon

Movements that hector and punish rather than educate and reform have a way of inviting derision and reaction.

Quotes by Bret Stephens

To what derision should I be exposed from a thousand quarters!- An unlearned female entering the lists of criticism against the mighty Johnson!

Quotes by Anna Seward

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "derision" mean in the context of these quotes?
It refers to mockery or scornful laughter, often used deliberately as a tool in comedy, satire, or cultural criticism.
How is derision connected to satire in these quotes?
One quote describes satire as combining civil disobedience with a laugh track, using derision as a pointed way to challenge people who can't take a joke.
Does derision always come across as negative in these quotes?
Not entirely — one quote credits a show's willingness to be unbridled in its derision with providing genuine comfort during hard times.
Is derision discussed in relation to gender and film history?
Yes, one quote reflects on how a classic film character was viewed with derision, condescension, or idealization, rarely as a real person.
Where can I read more about humor's role in perspective?
Our About quotes page has more reflections connecting humor to how we see the world.

For a look at humor's opposite instincts, our Being quotes page offers a gentler counterpoint.