Meaning & Analysis
Anyone who makes fun of other people will, in turn, eventually be made fun of by others.
Insights
Retributive Justice
The proverb functions as a warning about karmic or retributive justice, suggesting that negative actions, particularly those of contempt and ridicule, will inevitably rebound upon the perpetrator.
Cycle of Contempt
It illustrates the cyclical nature of social behavior. Engaging in mockery normalizes and perpetuates a culture of disrespect, creating an environment where the mocker eventually becomes a target themselves.
Hubris and Downfall
Mockery often stems from a position of perceived superiority or hubris. The proverb foretells a reversal of fortune, where the arrogant individual is humbled and subjected to the same treatment they inflicted on others.
Social Consequence
On a practical level, mocking others creates social enemies and alienates people. The proverb serves as a pragmatic warning that such behavior will lead to social isolation and reciprocal hostility.
Moral and Scholastic Tradition
The proverb's frequent citation in Latin ('qui mocat mocabitur') in early English texts highlights its scholastic and ecclesiastical roots, framing mockery not just as a social faux pas but as a moral transgression with inevitable, almost divine, retribution.
Psychology of Retaliation
Psychologically, the proverb captures the principle of reciprocal aggression. Mockery is an act of social attack that invites retaliation, revealing a fundamental human tendency to enforce social norms and punish those who violate them through humiliation.
Literary and Narrative Justice
This concept is a cornerstone of cautionary tales and fables, where arrogant characters who mock others are invariably humbled. This narrative tradition reinforces social cohesion by warning against the disruptive power of scorn and hubris.
Rhetorical Devices
Parallelism
The balanced structure 'He who MOCKS... shall be mocked' creates a memorable and authoritative statement, reinforcing the cause-and-effect relationship between the action and its consequence.
Prophetic Tone
The use of 'shall' lends the proverb a prophetic and deterministic tone, presenting the outcome not as a possibility but as an unavoidable law of social interaction.
Alliteration
The repetition of the 'm' sound in 'MOCKS' and 'mocked' creates a pleasing rhythm and enhances the proverb's memorability.
Transcription
Quotations
Alle the sallary or payment of them that mokken other is for to be mocqued at the last.
They that on mockes alway theyr myndes cast Shall of all other be mocked at the last.
For who so that mocketh shall surely stur This olde prouerbe mockum moccabitur.
I it seemes to me, that you maister Phillip mocke me, do you not know qui mocat mocabitur, mocke age and se how it will prosper?
Mock and be mocked.
Qui mokât mockabitur.
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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