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sich aufziehen
/zɪç ˈaʊ̯fˌt͡siːən/
to tease or mock someone
Die Kinder haben sich gegenseitig aufgezogen.
The children teased each other.
informal
To tease or mock someone in a playful or sometimes mean way.
Er zieht mich immer wegen meiner Frisur auf.
He always teases me about my hairstyle.
Sie hat ihn wegen seiner schlechten Witze aufgezogen.
She mocked him for his bad jokes.
This phrase is commonly used in informal contexts among friends or family.
literal
To wind up or tighten something (e.g., a clock or a screw).
Kannst du die Uhr aufziehen?
Can you wind up the clock?
This literal meaning is less common in everyday speech.
Collocations
jemanden aufziehento tease someonesich gegenseitig aufziehento tease each other
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
The meaning of 'sich aufziehen' depends heavily on the context. In most cases, it means to tease, but it can also refer to winding up a mechanism.
Gold Rule
Informal Use
This phrase is primarily used in informal contexts and is not appropriate in formal or professional settings.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb 'ziehen' (to pull) and the prefix 'auf-' (up), originally referring to the action of winding up a mechanism.
Usage Notes
The phrase is often used in informal settings and can be either playful or mean-spirited depending on the context.
Word Breakdown
sich
reflexive pronoun
prefixauf
up
prefixziehen
to pull or tease
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