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It's short for "taking the piss out of (someone or something)." To make fun of, but in a light-hearted way that implies the speaker has the advantage of the tar
by flashman 8y ago
It's short for "taking the piss out of (someone or something)." To make fun of, but in a light-hearted way that implies the speaker has the advantage of the target. In the instance above, it means "using an exaggerated British accent to lampoon people who genuinely speak that way."
The "piss" in question is seriousness, authority or importance (compare "piss and vinegar"), but you can take it from someone with the aid of humour. Piss-takes can be a form of speaking truth to power.
- sudosteph 8y agoHuh, thank you for explaining that. Prior to this I had only recognized the phrase "Are you taking the piss?" from watching Misfits, and from that context had always assumed it meant "are you out of your mind?". Seems more like "Are you screwing with me?" or "are you serious?" would be the more accurate meaning given this definition.
- vorg 8y ago"Taking the piss out of someone" has the same meaning as "taking the mickey out of someone". Perhaps that's the expression in the English you speak.