Definition & Meaning of "[take] the (mick|mickey) out of {sb}"

What is the origin of the idiom "take the mickey out of someone" and when to use it?

The idiom "take the mickey out of someone" is thought to be a British slang term with uncertain origins. It's believed to have originated in the early 20th century, and its exact source is unclear. Some theories suggest that "mickey" may be a euphemism for "micturate" (urinate), but the true origin remains a subject of debate. This expression is used when someone makes fun of or teases another person, often in a light-hearted or mocking manner. It's a way of saying that someone is playfully ridiculing someone else. While the phrase is more common in British English, it can be understood and used in various English-speaking regions.