当あてこする

あ

て

こ

す

る

Meanings

1

godan verb (-ru), intransitive verb

insinuate; satirize; take a dig at

Used for indirect criticism or veiled sarcasm, often implying a personal jab. The verb is intransitive and typically takes a target marked with に.

彼かれはよく上じょう司しに当あてこするようなことを言いう。
He often says things that are a dig at his boss.
その記き事

じ

は

政せい

府ふ

の

政せい

策さく

に

当あ

てこすっ

て

いる

。

The article takes a satirical jab at the government's policy.

Written forms

当あてこするUsage33%
Standard kanji-kana mixed spelling.
あてこするUsage67%
当あて擦こする
Rare kanji spelling using 擦る; the kana こする is more common.

Kanji

当hit, right, appropriate
擦grate, rub, scratch

Similar words

皮ひ肉にくる
皮肉る is a more direct and common verb for being sarcastic or ironic, while 当てこする emphasizes indirect, insinuating criticism.
当あてつける
当てつける is transitive and means to do something spitefully or as a pointed gesture, often with a visible action, whereas 当てこする is intransitive and focuses on verbal insinuation.

Etymology

Compound of 当て (ate, 'aiming at') + 擦る (kosuru, 'to rub'), literally 'to rub against with intent', giving the figurative sense of making a veiled critical remark.