ADVERTISEMENT

As a society—doesn’t matter which one—we’re past calling each other idiots or other simple, mono-to-duo-syllabic insults. And that’s for the best. Because when you start elevating the level of the insult, making it complex, witty or outright comedic, it’s no longer acting upon an impulse of hate. No… it’s an exercise in creativity that knows no boundaries.

And while this is not a rule, nor a statistic, equating someone’s lack of skill or cranial aptitude to a meteorological phenomenon might just crack them up to a degree where they couldn’t even be mad at you. And then you’d hug and forget why you were even arguing in the first place.

Now, apply that same logic between Americans and Europeans. This is that story.

We've also contacted Dr. Jeffrey Rubin, psychologist, author, and the man behind the From Insult To Respect blog, to discuss insults.

#1

On Measuring

On Measuring

adhdheater Report

Add photo comments
POST
Miki
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Saying mathematicians were involved in a process is a compliment :p

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
You May Also Like:
#2

USA! USA! We're Number 1... Except When It Comes To Medical Expenses

USA! USA! We're Number 1... Except When It Comes To Medical Expenses

Iangator Report

Add photo comments
POST
CanadianDimes
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How does having a flag on the moon make you free? By that logic, people living in China would now also be free.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Insults are, to put it simply, a way to offend and be rude to people. This is often done in the hopes of belittling, offending or humiliating folks who may or may not deserve it.

The deeper reasons as to why people do that can vary wildly and are complex in their nature. But to keep with the simplicity of this explanation, it can come from a place of anger, pain, trauma, guilt, bigotry, lack of self-esteem, patience, or just plain old not knowing any better.

#5

*European Confusion*

*European Confusion*

bankruptcydeclared Report

Add photo comments
POST
Noname
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I recently needed to take a ride in not one but two wee-yoo wagons-- one to the nearest hospital ER and then the second to a different hospital for the necessary surgery. With my national healthcare coverage, I paid €7,86. An Uber would've cost a lot more, and have no paramedics to keep me stable.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

However, insults can also be a form of bonding among friends. Dr. Jeffrey Rubin, psychologist, author, and the man behind the From Insult To Respect blog, discussed this in a post of his. Bored Panda got in touch with Dr. Rubin for an interview.

To put it simply, insults can be fun, and fun means laughter, and laughter means a pleasant experience. If anything, insults among friends can be a way of telling them you like them “without being mawkish about it.” 

#7

The English Language Can Be Tricky

The English Language Can Be Tricky

Pazluz Report

#8

Damn. I Always Thought England Was Made Up To Scare The French

Damn. I Always Thought England Was Made Up To Scare The French

reddit.com Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#9

America Is The Reason You Have Cars

America Is The Reason You Have Cars

Qeryk Report

Add photo comments
POST
Aww but Eww
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never gets old ! 🙃 https://youtube.com/shorts/QH1GgIJ7TPs?si=p6eJXfchdXHZ7QM6

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

We asked Dr. Rubin if this idea of insults among friends as a way of bonding can extend to countries and continents.

ADVERTISEMENT

“I think so. Although, it’s useful to keep in mind that the very joke that will delight some will deeply offend others. Unless the humorist is willing to deal with the blowback, such humor might be wisely avoided.”

“There are types of humor to be avoided in either case. Jokes directed at the people of another country that can’t change, such as some facial characteristic or color of their skin, or some historical event that has long passed serves nothing positive. Much better are quips about some behavior that has the potential to be improved, so it spurs some thoughtful consideration. The safest humor, in my opinion, is directed to something that occurs in one’s own country as well as the other country or countries so, in this way, a shared bond is created.”

#10

American vs. European Homes

American vs. European Homes

_thisisforreddit Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#12

Cotton Candy

Cotton Candy

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
SewingStaffy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

British here, everyone I know calls it candy floss. Liking fairy floss though

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

While it can be a case of superiority, bigotry, comebacks, and the like when it comes to international relations, there’s also this thing called friendly rivalry. Friendly rivalries are competitions between parties at odds with each other over certain issues, but they do so in a civil and sometimes humorous manner.

#13

Education

Education

Report

Add photo comments
POST
TheElderNom
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm certain that someone will say that Switzerland is American since America beat them in a war.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#14

Dumb Europeans

Dumb Europeans

SnailsWithWings Report

#15

When You Try To Roast Europe For Not Being Knowledgeable Enough About Coffee, But Europe Has A Reverse Uno Card Up Its Sleeve

When You Try To Roast Europe For Not Being Knowledgeable Enough About Coffee, But Europe Has A Reverse Uno Card Up Its Sleeve

AI_bloomwow Report

Add photo comments
POST
GoGoPDX
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awe, I don't fault this person. There is so much to learn and understand about another country and their culture, that it is impossible to learn everything, or even a sliver of everything when traveling. I have a friend who immigrated from Malaysia, and even after being here for a couple years, told me one day how they really wanted to buy a " Christmas donut". I thought it was cute that he was getting excited over what I thought, and most native English speaking US Americans would conclude, a red and green decorated donut. Well, I brought him just that a couple days later and learned through some laughs, he was talking about a Christmas wreath! As long as someone is trying, we really shouldn't judge when they don't know every little difference or intricacy of things. These people were in a new country with a different language, money, culture, etc and learned that Latte means milk, and Cafe Latte means the coffee drink.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

A good example of friendly rivalry can be seen among universities. They often keep up friendly rivalries amongst each other as this sort of civil competition pushes these institutions to bring to the forefront their very best, knowing well enough that if it is lacking, it will be pushed to second place.

ADVERTISEMENT

Another example is friendly rivalries among military units. These also have the potential for encouraging internal cohesion through sports competitions, with some members excelling more productively as a result.

#16

French

French

VeryBadLlama Report

Add photo comments
POST
Appalachian Panda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here in the US we only set things on fire when the team we support wins a sporting championship.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

Americans, Please Confirm

Americans, Please Confirm

cestrumnocturnum Report

Add photo comments
POST
Sheila Stamey
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And in the south, “bless her/his/your/their hearts/ hearts” means “ I really hope they die while on fire for awhile”. If “ they can’t help it” as in “ bless his heart, he can’t help it “ means , I’d set him on fire myself but he’s so stupid everyone else would blame me for setting him on fire so I’ll just say / do it this way and warn the people I am talking with.

BluEyedSeoulite
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This cracks me up whenever I hear someone try to say "bless his heart" in the North in a positive way. I get their intent but they either sound like a jerk or an idiot. Bless their hearts.

Load More Replies...
Kat
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok, but seriously, when Americans ask "how's it going?" Or "how are ya?" we're really just saying hello, not actually asking and expecting an answer

Tracy Wallick
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We were originally an English colony. We have retained more than a little of the British sarcasm.

Trillian
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This caused some problems in my partner's firm (international company) when asking people to evaluate a training. Germans would say it was "nice" and consider that a very positive review.

Ruth Harper
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fine means I'm semi-okay but something is wrong, but I know you don't want details so I'll say fine.

Sans Serif
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Quite an accurate analysis but, it also might mean "I don't want to share the details so I'll say fine."

Load More Replies...
Gina Babe
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This chat and all the comments are so accurate. I usually say "I'm living someone's dream".

Rod
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The one that annoys me is when someone tells me "you want to do this". No! YOU want to do this!

Elizabeth Brown
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always try to say "I recommend this" or "you might want to do this", and explain why

Load More Replies...
JoMeBee
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So the table seems kinda dated, but the comments after are spot on...

MissMePhoenix
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nope i started being honest with people. Them: How are you?? Me: Livin the nightmare! How bout you?

Sonja
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Every single one of those can also mean very bad if said with the right inflection and facial expression.

AuntKaren12
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those are true - sure, but you should research Southern terms if you want a good laugh. For example, "Bless your heart" could mean anything from sympathy to an insult.

Brainmas
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel like the chart is a little off because context counts, but all of the comments are spot on.

Papa
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Depending on the tone and context, some of those can mean the complete opposite. It's called sarcasm.

Eastendbird
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's nice to have an example of Americans and the rest of the world agreeing with one another and not arguing or trying to one up each other! More like this please.

Sheila Stamey
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or how are you doing today? ‘ I’m here”. (subtext: I pried my head from dreams and rest upon my pillow, I literally would rather be any where on earth that didn’t kill my soul and body, than be here,but I’m so tired and mean I’ll just say this)

Kristal
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, maybe this is why I fit in better in another country lol I use the words for what they are

Moezzzz
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ahh hell. Yep, I say "peachy" all the time and yeah, it's accurate

Alecto76
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let's stay in touch / Let's get coffee sometime both mean I hate you

Ivona
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The last 4 examples show the gist of interpersonal relationships here in the U.S.

Lee Banks
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Buddy is the term for either: An ex (when speaking with a current partner, but you still have to tell a story). A friend who's no longer in the picture. Someone you've been friends with for years, but neither of you know what the heck their name is.

Elizabeth Brown
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an American some of these bug me lol. Awesome has lost all meaning to the point I do a double take when used correctly, and no, no, we are not friends after 5 minutes (actually I think people like me so that might be true to them. Not bragging I literally wish people would like me less)

Kel_how
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tbh, the first few rely heavily on whether they're said sarcastically...well, the whole list, really.

PlatinumThe8-BitCat
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where does OK mean bad? I have never in my life seen someone use Ok to mean bad

Fraxinus excelsior
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it depends on the tone used, if you say "I'm OK "in an upbeat voice, then they are fine, but if they say it a bit monotonous or dour, then there is something wrong, but they really don't want to elaborate.

Load More Replies...
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Now, it is important to note that constructive humor has to be done right. Hence, insults have to be well thought out to be able to achieve the aim of positive change.

“Great humor is designed to spur some thoughtful consideration about something that can potentially be changed,” explains Dr. Rubin. “Focus on a topic about something you believe needs changing and make that the target of your humor.”

#19

Silly Americans And Their Weird Lingo Amirite?

Silly Americans And Their Weird Lingo Amirite?

WhyDoIExistXD Report

Add photo comments
POST
Charlie the Cat
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok, this one made me spit out my tea! Yes we do call it a k**b of butter in the UK

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#20

Americans On The Internet Always Think Everyone Else Is American

Americans On The Internet Always Think Everyone Else Is American

enbydemon Report

#21

Hmmmmmmm

Hmmmmmmm

Classic-CJ Report

Add photo comments
POST
GoGoPDX
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

❗❗it has come to my attention that this comment is not accurate and does not reflect the reality of Cinco De Mayo. I was taught throughout childhood an inaccurate version of why this holiday is celebrated, among other things (whitewashed history is a real issue). I am sorry if I hurt or offended anyone and I will continue to educate myself about this subject. I am only human, and made a mistake, but I want to learn from it to be better. Thank you to all who commented and brought this to my attention. I am leaving my original post how it is, because I don't want to erase my mistake, I would rather bring attention to it to show that we all still have a lot to learn about others in this country and world ✌️❤️We do celebrate Cinco De Mayo, which is the Mexican Revolution. It isn't a national holiday, but it is celebrated. Lots of fairs, parties, etc. Mexican Americans make up a huge portion of our population, and over the years, many non Mexican Americans have participated in celebrating Cinco De Mayo, some just for a reason to celebrate and party, others because it has integrated to become part of their communities culture especially if you grew up or live in towns and cities with a large Latino community. If we had a Russian American population as big as the Mexican American population, we would more than likely do the same for Red October Revolution. Say what you will about the US, we have many, many issues. But one thing we do well is integrate others cultures and traditions fairly well, since we are technically a country made up of immigrants. And yes, there is a part of our population, (ahem, the right wing, red hat wearing, red staters) that throw a big fit about anything that isn't "white, Christian, and and revolved around them" the majority of us really love the variety that other cultures bring

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Another form of insulting that can possibly be justified is found in dealing with difficult people. It is a knee-jerk reaction to being bad-mouthed that actually starts adding nuance to insults.

You see, this situation is no longer necessarily coming from a place of pain or anger. Instead, it’s fighting fire with fire because it’s a form of self-defense. Either that, or the one throwing insults stepped out of line and you simply asked them to get back behind it. And that can be justified.

#23

Confused Non Americans

Confused Non Americans

sad_eukaryotic_cell Report

#24

Healthcare

Healthcare

runawayrogue Report

Add photo comments
POST
PeTeH
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do Americans think that countries with national health care don't also have private health care providers?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda

If anything, creative insults can very effectively derail and thus defuse an argument. How? Because we tend to laugh at unexpected things.

So, if you’re creative enough, you might just make your insulter laugh so much, they might just end up embarrassed and storm out or they might also accept defeat and apologize. And if you can hug it out in the end, hey, that’s all that matters.

#25

Europeans Try To Come Up With An Original Joke Challenge (Impossible)

Europeans Try To Come Up With An Original Joke Challenge (Impossible)

StylophoneDestroyer Report

#26

"At Least American Toilets Aren't Just Holes In The Ground"

"At Least American Toilets Aren't Just Holes In The Ground"

RogueArtemis Report

Add photo comments
POST
Terran
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, completely normal plumbing. *Nervously looks at plumbing that was improvised by some dude in 1923 into the 800yo wall and was expended 7 times and is still in use because you need at least three plumbers and 8 archaeologists to do anything with it*

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#27

Americans Are Asleep, Let's Mock Their Accents

Americans Are Asleep, Let's Mock Their Accents

Pearlspear Report

Add photo comments
POST
Painted Dog
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is awesome. Went to the US as a kid, and with English as a second language, the way they run their words with no real spaces made understanding them really hard.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Another thing to keep in mind with insults is that they change with time. What was once a joke that could pass as appropriate might no longer be available for whipping out in casual conversation. And vice versa.

“In many places in the U.S., jokes about gay people and cross-dressers are still regularly heard, but they have lost much of the meanness that was typical in earlier times,” elaborates Dr. Rubin. “I think that recent literature and films that depict these people in a much more sympathetic manner than the past is largely the reason for this.”

ADVERTISEMENT
#28

Do Europeans Have A Spice Rack?

Do Europeans Have A Spice Rack?

Ajdoom Report

Add photo comments
POST
Fraxinus excelsior
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Quick question, not being an a**e or anything, but why don't Americans pronounce Herbs how it is spelled, with a H rather than Erbs?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#29

Celsius

Celsius

source Report

Add photo comments
POST
Gustav Gallifrey
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Uh-oh, listen up you 185 countries that use Celsius (you can go back to sleep, you 10 countries that use Fahrenheit, all except one of which are American possessions or protectorates): the Americans have threatened to stop ourcallowance unless we see sense and revert to Fahrenheit immediately!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

S'mores And The Great British Bake Off

S'mores And The Great British Bake Off

JKUAN108 Report

Add photo comments
POST
80 Van
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The trick to a good s’more is to not let the marshmallow burst into flames over the campfire. That’s it. That’s all the instructions.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Whatever the case, if you need more input on your comedic repertoire, this Bored Panda list about hilarious comebacks might just hit the spot.

Be sure to also check out Dr. Rubin’s work on From Insults To Respect as well as his “Cool Steve” trilogy of novels and a free ebook on dealing with criticism.

Or, if you’re already gifted at roasting people like they’re a rotisserie chicken, then why not share your know-how and jokes in the comment section below!

#31

I Saw A Map That Compared Texas To Europe And I Didn’t Know That Texas Was So F**king Large

I Saw A Map That Compared Texas To Europe And I Didn’t Know That Texas Was So F**king Large

ExpertAccident Report

Add photo comments
POST
CanadianDimes
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You may have states larger than the UK, and that doesn't change the fact that London is still f*cking huge.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#32

American Television According To Europeans

American Television According To Europeans

Derpiderp Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#33

Someone: "American's Aren't Uneducated!" Americans:

Someone: "American's Aren't Uneducated!" Americans:

ReasyRandom Report

#34

After All The Years Of British People Saying Americans Don’t Know Anything

After All The Years Of British People Saying Americans Don’t Know Anything

godric420 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Mat Hall
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In defence of the GBBO, I suspect in the Mexican equivalent nobody would be able to pronounce Worcestershire sauce or know what a plum duff is...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#35

Americans

Americans

Mettcollsuss Report

Add photo comments
POST
Poison Ivy/Boo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Over the years of living in the UK I have adapted to using the British names for things (elevator/lift, sidewalk/pavement, vacation/holiday etc), but I will not give up my pronunciation of mirror......it will always be "mir" to me lol.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#36

Football

Football

lord_braleigh Report

Add photo comments
POST
JoMeBee
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

New sport! Play both ways, same field, simultaneously! Four teams take the field but teams for both versions are paired up and can help each other out...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu