What does taking the mickey mean?
Taking the mickey means teasing, mocking or making fun of someone, often in a playful way. For example, are you taking the mickey means are you joking or making fun of me.
The phrase is very common in British English. It is a polite form of a ruder expression, taking the piss, which has the same meaning.
The origin of taking the mickey is often linked to Cockney rhyming slang. Mickey Bliss, a name, is said to rhyme with the ruder word, so taking the Mickey Bliss became taking the mickey.
British humor
Teasing and gentle mockery are a big part of British humor. Friends often take the mickey out of each other as a sign of affection.
The phrase can also describe someone taking advantage of a situation, such as charging too much money, as in they're taking the mickey with those prices.
Another version is taking the mick. In Ireland and some other places, people say taking the Michael.
Understanding when someone is taking the mickey can be tricky for visitors, as British humor often relies on irony and a straight face. If in doubt, a smile usually shows it is a joke.