One half the world laughs at the other.
One half the world laughs at the other.
Meaning in plain English
People often find other people’s ways strange while overlooking how their own ways appear. Consider another perspective before making ridicule the basis of a judgment.
Example
A traveller asks about an unfamiliar custom rather than mocking it, and notices that their own routine also needs explanation to others.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The two halves of the world laugh at one another, reversing the position of observer and observed. The image challenges a person who assumes that only others have absurd habits. A different perspective may reveal the conventions behind their own behaviour or explain something that first seemed foolish. The saying is exaggerated, not a count of how humanity behaves. Its useful invitation is to replace quick ridicule with a question about context and purpose. Understanding another practice does not require accepting it without criticism, particularly where actual harm is involved.
When to use it
Use it to consider the perspective behind mutual ridicule.
Keep in mind
Some criticism is justified. Keep it specific and evidence-based rather than assuming every difference is harmless.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs (1857)
Printed page 30; French section, paragraph 584; source wording: La moitié du monde se moque de l’autre.
Read the original context ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · historical anthology
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Public domain (United States)
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
Provenance and licences ↗