ADVERTISEMENT

Ever had a heated online argument with a stranger, only to think of the perfect comeback three days later? Well, on the internet clock, a few days might as well be an eternity, and everyone’s already moved on.

But over on r/clevercomebacks, wasting time is unheard of. With over 2 million members, this subreddit is full of sharp retorts for any situation. At Bored Panda, we’re big fans. So we’ve rounded up the best comebacks they have to offer. Keep reading, you might just find the right response to silence that next awkward comment.

The feeling of disappointment when you don’t have a clever reply on the spot actually has a name—it’s called ‘l’esprit de l’escalier’, or ‘staircase wit’. This term was coined by the 18th century French philosopher Denis Diderot in his dramatic essay, Paradox of the Actor.

The phrase comes from an incident Diderot had over dinner. “A sensitive man, such as myself, overwhelmed by the argument leveled against him, becomes confused and doesn’t collect his thoughts until he’s at the bottom of the stairs,” the philosopher wrote.

There’s a reason why we sometimes freeze and struggle to respond when someone says something upsetting. Our body sees it as a social danger and goes into defense mode.

“When someone says something offensive or harmful that hurts us or hurts a member of a community that’s really important to us, our nervous system can get activated,” said psychologist Kerry McBroome for Time Magazine. “The parts of the brain that are responsible for coming up with clever or witty things to say are just not online—they’re nervous and sensing a threat.”

ADVERTISEMENT
#3

Never Underestimate A Woman

Never Underestimate A Woman

Dry-Net Report

Add photo comments
POST
Kristy Marion
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Men, you can’t have babies. Sit down when *women’s* reproductive rights are discussed

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Of course, some folks are naturally good at throwing verbal punches and do so whenever they can. But if you need some pointers in that area, blogger and podcaster Myke Macapinlac has tips on how to be more quick-witted and funny.

According to him, one of the first things you should learn is how to stay present in the moment. “Catch yourself when you’re ruminating and remind yourself to slow down your breathing. By doing so, you’ll be able to relax your body and bring yourself back to your current situation,” he advises.



#5

Kid Has A Bright And Shocking Future In Front Of Him

Kid Has A Bright And Shocking Future In Front Of Him

The_Jib Report

ADVERTISEMENT

If you’re having a conversation, Myke suggests really focusing on what the other person is saying. “It’s much easier to come up with the right things to say when you’re actually listening,” he notes.

#8

They Don't Give A Damn

They Don't Give A Damn

blaze_uchiha999 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Kristy Marion
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I genuinely admire anyone that chooses to join the military to protect their country, however the idolising of Veterans in America never sits well with me. When you stir up patriotism, and putting civil servants on pedestals and paying such a low minimum wage that joining the armed forces is the only way out, yet shoe no care for returning and ex serviceman, except for give them 10% discounts everywhere and a “thank you for your service”, well, it seems to be like big business and corporations are involved somewhere,

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Well Then Rip

Well Then Rip

ConteStefanon Report

Add photo comments
POST
CultOfBambi
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Jacket no longer required! That burn will keep her warm now.

Another key tip is to stop caring so much. Macapinlac points out, “Most individuals who struggle socially think that all eyes are on them. They’re so afraid of being judged by others that’s why they stifle their personality. To avoid embarrassing themselves, they just remain quiet.”

“Even if you say something silly, I can assure you that people would’ve forgotten about you by the time they get home”. By letting go of this fear, you’ll be more relaxed, which will help you make clever remarks faster.

ADVERTISEMENT
#11

Keep Your Stick On The Ice

Keep Your Stick On The Ice

Master1718 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Luke Branwen
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reminds me of that old joke: "We asked people how they view lesbian relationships. The question had to be rephrased after majority of responders answered 'in high definition'."

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#12

Love This Guy

Love This Guy

humanitalian Report

Add photo comments
POST
Libstak
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How is a woman's body preference ANYTHING TO DO WITH WHAT MEN WANT. We have the right to body autonomy, that means we makes choices for our bodies for ourselves, we are not a potential appendage to a man in life, we have a life all our own.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Sometimes it’s good to prepare in advance. “Get a piece of paper and take the time to reflect. Think of previous situations where you wanted to say something clever but you weren’t able to. And then, brainstorm some good comebacks that you could’ve said,” the blogger recommends.


#14

Not Be A Baby Machine

Not Be A Baby Machine

lucynyu13 Report

ADVERTISEMENT

It’s also important to manage your emotions. When you’re calm and collected, you come across as more confident. Macapinlac encourages trying out meditation and journaling to be more mindful.

“[This] will allow you to control the way you think. You’ll be able to identify and reframe your limiting beliefs.
This will help you become less reactive, especially during stressful moments”.

#16

Please Wear A Mask And Stay Safe

Please Wear A Mask And Stay Safe

themaskedvillain Report

Add photo comments
POST
james stevenson
Community Member
4 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's pretty much the best explanation of why we wore face masks I've ever seen.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Don’t forget to take inspiration from others. “What better way to improve your sense of humor than by watching more comedy shows and stand-up routines,” Myke says. “Pay close attention to [the comedian’s] material. Notice the timing and delivery of the joke. When something amuses you, ask yourself why by taking a moment to analyze it”.

#19

Who Orders Small Coffee Anyway?

Who Orders Small Coffee Anyway?

OldFingerman Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#20

Just Try Not Being Straight For Awhile

Just Try Not Being Straight For Awhile

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
araT sdrawkcaB
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And forgetting your kids birthday 3 years running? I’m adopting your son. You’re fired.

Bored Trash Panda
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Right! how do you forget your kids birthday. My son could be living on the freaking moon and I would still bug him on his bday (luckily he is only 11 and lives with me so I just have to walk to his room lol)

Load More Replies...
Alewa
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They are not even concerned about their son, but about themselves.

Nitka Tsar
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, they are concerned about what other people will think about them!

Load More Replies...
Jason
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't even. I don't care what my son is. Some random organization isn't going to make me feel bad for being his father.

Marianne
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How dare he mocking her like that, just because she forgot his birthday 3 times in a row. This happens to everyone, I'm sure she's a great mother apart from that. /s

Anne Roberts
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I "forgot" my son's birthday one year when I was sick in the hospital. I will never get over the guilt even though he said he understood because I was so sick. He means the world to me.

Load More Replies...
Upstaged75
Community Member
4 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Mom keeps forgetting my birthday - I know, I'll just be gay to get back at her!" It would be a great idea if people had to take an IQ test before they were allowed to procreate.

Elvira Petersen
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"get back at me for forgetting his birthday for the past three years". Maybe forget about his preference as easily???

Jen M
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How can you forget your own child's birthday for 3 years...?!?

RabidChild
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is a brilliant answer. But, what an awful mom. "He's doing this whole gay thing because I forgot his birthday 3 years in a row because I'm soooo busy and now my Christian friends are gonna laugh at me." Seriously??

keyboardtek
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There was one comedian who said about marriage if someone wants to get married and eventually stop having sex with someone, that's their right.

IndigoViolent
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Oh hey, I'm a terrible parent who neglects their kid, but I expect my child to not 'embarrass' me in front of my horrible friends." These people are so un-self-aware that I'm amazed they remember to breathe.

alicia
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is always my response. If you think it's a choice, you try it.

Reddog McGraw
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not sure how not getting Birthday Cake translated to wanting some D ...but who knows?

Plinkplink Fizz
Community Member
4 months ago

This comment has been deleted.

Lihi Porat
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know what's better, "he will not stop being gay" or the fact that his mother forgot his birthday THREE YEARS in a row! You know, I kinda hope it's also his way to get back at her 😂

tjames19701962
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

God loves EVERYONE! Says that in Matt 7: 1-5. You and your "group" need a little lesson in reading the Bible .

Zann
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because some people are so screwed up..unacceptance is obviously easier for this person..

Argie Smith
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Honestly, I don't think about it at all and wish people would stop telling me unprompted. I don't go around telling everyone who i sleep with. You do you ok? We can all just be happy.

Lena Flising
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They will make fun of you? So your reputation is more important to you than your son's happiness? How can you forget your son's birthday THREE years in a row? My parents have had busy schedules most of their lives, and they have four kids (and six grandchildren). Not once, during my 54 years, has my mother forgotten my birthday.

MrLiesegang
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everything gets censored but not Dickinson? What btw. would be a better surname for the homophobic mother.

Daya Meyer
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"He will not stop being gay." Of course, it is a free choice to be gay just to annoy you and to destroy your reputation.

justanotherweirdo
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

DEAR SON OF BETRAYED: move out, cut off all contact, and maybe put a pride flag bumper sticker on your mom’s car while she’s at church.

Purple_bio
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i ain't reading this anymore, hi, i'm agander, femboy and demisexual, grew up christian, can confirm, NO ONE CARES, as long as you are respectful they don't really give a dam most of the time, i don't like christians but some are alright this lady is going the way that i want to do crimes against humanity, but most christians don't care remember that, if you come out just keep being you

Riley Quinn
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The only time I'd be concerned about my child's sexuality would be if I found out s/he was a pedo. But this woman, who can't even remember her own son's birthday, is really more concerned about her own reputation. Proof that giving birth doesn't make one a mother.

KimTx ‍️
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How do you forget your child's birthday THREE YEARS IN A ROW????

Cyndielouwhoo
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's rather telling that they know they've ignored his birthday for years, plus this BS, wouldn't be surprised if that kid cut ties after leaving home.

Scott Rackley
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love the admission that church is a little play in peer pressure.

GEA
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He's turned to Gaydom, just because I'm an uncaring b***h of a mother!

Regina Holt
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this, and read it in its entirety every time I see it.

AlpacaLunch
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Forgot his birthday 3 years in a row! Stop reading a newspaper, try a calendar..

Gabriele Alfredo Pini
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Except whene a man told us that it is simple to change orientation: he is normally attracted to men but choose to be attracted by women. A very sad story.

Eric Williams
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someday, homosexuality won't be so fashionable then all gay people will go back to being gender normal...just sayin'...heh...

Doofnuts
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The only problem I've had with all this sexuality stuff was recently. All of a sudden there was all this screaming and pushing stuff down everybodies throat, which I really kind of found difficult to deal with. Never cared before, now, well------

XanthippeⓐWulf🇨🇦️️🇬🇧
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not going to downvote you because free will and all that, but I genuinely want to ask why you are bothered by a group of people asking to be heard? Instead of thinking about it as something negative being "crammed down your throat," think of it as, while we still have a long way to go, isn't it amazing that we are at a time when people of many orientations feel comfortable being open about how they love.

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

However, if you’re around someone you want to build a lasting relationship with, be considerate and don’t say things that could ruin someone’s day. “If you want to learn how to be witty and funny, always leave people better than before you met them.”

#23

Thank You Andy Wang!

Thank You Andy Wang!

ykafia Report

#24

It Was Social Distancing Haha

It Was Social Distancing Haha

BelleAriel Report

Lastly, be patient with yourself and make an effort to get out of your comfort zone. “The more you practice, the better you’ll be at bantering with people,” Myke concludes.

ADVERTISEMENT
#25

Definitely Atheists That Do This

Definitely Atheists That Do This

Jet_The_Tabaxi Report

Add photo comments
POST
Bernd Herbert
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm really annoyed by all those atheistic phrases people are using every day. Like "For nothing's sake" or "My Notthing!" and the ever present "Thank nothing!"

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#26

I Understand Completely

I Understand Completely

My_Memes_Will_Cure_U Report

Add photo comments
POST
LakotaWolf (she/her)
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Burning people alive? Yep, that sounds exactly like organized religion to me! Leave people alone when they're not of your faith? Nope! Gotta convert them! Oh, wait, they're unwilling to be converted? Better kill them!

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

Whatever Your Weakness, There's A Hellion To Exploit It

Whatever Your Weakness, There's A Hellion To Exploit It

free-whitebird Report

So next time, we hope you have the confidence and quick wit to deliver that perfect comeback. Stay sharp!

#28

They Also Don't Come In Exciting Anime

They Also Don't Come In Exciting Anime

TheRikari Report

Add photo comments
POST
Jack Burton
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It could be cool if they do. Imagine hiking and then something jump from a tree branch yelling Squiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirel !!!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#30

British Museum

British Museum

athrvpatil Report

Add photo comments
POST
Isabella
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least some of the non-British artefacts from British Musem were saved from destruction.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#31

Idk If This Has Been Posted Before, But I Love His Little Smile

Idk If This Has Been Posted Before, But I Love His Little Smile

twinkletoes_44 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#32

Look Before You Leap

Look Before You Leap

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My!
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

God gave us brains so we could use them. If He didn't want us to learn how to prevent and cure disease, how to enhance the lives of the disabled, to fix what is broken, He wouldn't have given us brains!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#33

I Hope This Hasn’t Been Done Before

I Hope This Hasn’t Been Done Before

reddit.com Report

#34

Stealing The Rainbow

Stealing The Rainbow

BuickBobFL Report

#36

Big Footprints To Fill

Big Footprints To Fill

mysteresc Report

#37

Education Is Vitally Important, After All

Education Is Vitally Important, After All

Smitherd Report

#39

Why Would They Need To Am I Rite?

Why Would They Need To Am I Rite?

LordMouse121 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Anya Beboop
Community Member
4 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do to get groceries without a large crowd and lines.Also allergic to the sun.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#40

People Really Live In Their Own Little Bubbles

People Really Live In Their Own Little Bubbles

hayashiiiii Report

Add photo comments
POST
Boy-Ahn
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So, now we are censoring even the euphemisms? M o f o is not OK? How about BS?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#41

Comeback

Comeback

clevcomebacks Report

Add photo comments
POST
Bernd Herbert
Community Member
4 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine that person writing that respone and thinking:"There. Clown shoes. The perfect analogy! Let's see them coming back from that one!"

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#43

Comeback

Comeback

clevcomebacks Report

Add photo comments
POST
Stardust she/her
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The hymen can tear without sexual activity. Sometimes you’re not even born with it. The hymen isn’t like one of those freshness seals

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#44

Simple Math To Hard

Simple Math To Hard

uncle_russell_90 Report

#45

Can Anyone Show Martha The Original Constitution ?

Can Anyone Show Martha The Original Constitution ?

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
Jack Burton
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why don"t they go full amish and live like old pioneers, these stupid just want the modern world with our way to see the world. How crazy.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#47

Comeback

Comeback

clevcomebacks Report

Add photo comments
POST
Little Wonder
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I saw a photo of one of those lockdown rhymes they're teaching kindergarten kids in case of active shooter, and someone replied "Sure, we have to be prepared for any natural disaster" and the mere fact this person considers an active shooter to be an unavoidable natural disaster says a LOT about the mindset of a lot of (not all of) Americans.

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#51

Useless Trees

Useless Trees

Kennydoe Report

Add photo comments
POST
Jrog
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is clearly a joke, the original post was from a novelty account.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Note: this post originally had 91 images. It’s been shortened to the top 51 images based on user votes.