To Roast Someone

What does the idiom « To roast someone » mean?

This expression is commonly used daily in most English-speaking countries; you may have already heard someone being roasted at work, on TV, or may have roasted someone you know!

« To roast someone » means to mock, tease, make fun of or criticise someone humorously or exaggeratedly, with friends or in a public setting. It can range from lighthearted jokes to sharp, biting humour, which can amuse or hurt!

While « roasting someone » usually occurs affectionately, it can also mean to scold someone severely.

Why do we use this idiom? Where does it come from?

The expression comes from the image of roasting food over fire, slowly turning it until it’s thoroughly cooked (and sometimes burned).

Its figurative use was developed in the 17th century, where “roast” could mean « to scold severely », « to criticise harshly ».

The modern meaning became especially popular in the 20th century through celebrity roast events, such as those organised by the Friars Club in New York.

Examples to use this phrase…

• “They roasted him for being late again.”
• “She got roasted for her old haircut.”

Translation in French: Habiller pour l’hiver (To be dressed for Winter)