make a joke of something

make a joke of (something)

To mock, sneer at, or laugh at something that should be treated with seriousness or solemnity. You shouldn't make a joke of suicide—Tom's mother took her own life when he was still in high school. It's great that they can make a joke of this, but we could all be fired if something doesn't change!

See also: joke, make, of

make a ˈjoke of something

laugh about something that is serious or should be taken seriously: Don’t make a joke of it! I could lose my job because of this!

See also: joke, make, of, something