Clinical illustrations and references from anthropological and sociological sources are given to illustrate the basic psychodynamics of teasing. In teasing the ego gains control of sado-masochistic drives by partly (a) inhibiting, (b) directly expressing, and (c) converting them into playful, pleasurable activities. This social value of teasing must not be confused with the original anti-social aim of the activity. Sulking is described as the type of withdrawal to which the teased person resorts to indicate