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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.

#1

Yep May Be It Is True

Yep May Be It Is True

johnmory Report

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.

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    #2

    Do You Have One?

    Do You Have One?

    Comfortablejack Report

    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.”

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    #3

    Never Underestimate A Woman

    Never Underestimate A Woman

    Dry-Net Report

    #4

    Found It On Twitter. Hope I Am Not Too Late

    Found It On Twitter. Hope I Am Not Too Late

    zzuhruf Report

    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

    #6

    Just Another Reason To Keep My Purple Hair

    Just Another Reason To Keep My Purple Hair

    pedragono Report

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    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.

    #7

    “Migrants Can’t Assimilate Into Society”

    “Migrants Can’t Assimilate Into Society”

    reddit.com Report

    #8

    They Don't Give A Damn

    They Don't Give A Damn

    blaze_uchiha999 Report

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    #9

    Well Then Rip

    Well Then Rip

    ConteStefanon Report

    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.

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    #10

    What A Good Reply

    What A Good Reply

    Comfortablejack Report

    #11

    Keep Your Stick On The Ice

    Keep Your Stick On The Ice

    Master1718 Report

    #12

    Love This Guy

    Love This Guy

    humanitalian Report

    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.


    #13

    I Don’t Care If Repost Made Me Laugh

    I Don’t Care If Repost Made Me Laugh

    iamafailedasian Report

    #14

    Not Be A Baby Machine

    Not Be A Baby Machine

    lucynyu13 Report

    #15

    Oof. That Burn Needs Some Love

    Oof. That Burn Needs Some Love

    BelleAriel Report

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    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

    #17

    You're The Problem

    You're The Problem

    Cereal_killer03 Report

    #18

    Room Temperature IQ

    Room Temperature IQ

    reddit.com Report

    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

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    #20

    Just Try Not Being Straight For Awhile

    Just Try Not Being Straight For Awhile

    reddit.com Report

    #21

    Why Don't You Stand Up For Yourself?

    Why Don't You Stand Up For Yourself?

    Thalassolykos Report

    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.”

    #22

    Some Good Luck!

    Some Good Luck!

    FitzRowe Report

    #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.

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    #25

    Definitely Atheists That Do This

    Definitely Atheists That Do This

    Jet_The_Tabaxi Report

    #26

    I Understand Completely

    I Understand Completely

    My_Memes_Will_Cure_U Report

    #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

    #29

    Whatttt !?? No Vegan Options At KFC!???

    Whatttt !?? No Vegan Options At KFC!???

    FitzRowe Report

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    #30

    British Museum

    British Museum

    athrvpatil Report

    #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

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    #32

    Look Before You Leap

    Look Before You Leap

    reddit.com Report

    #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

    #35

    Separate Payments

    Separate Payments

    memezzer 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

    #38

    Bless This Woman

    Bless This Woman

    sp0okygorl Report

    #39

    Why Would They Need To Am I Rite?

    Why Would They Need To Am I Rite?

    LordMouse121 Report

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    #40

    People Really Live In Their Own Little Bubbles

    People Really Live In Their Own Little Bubbles

    hayashiiiii Report

    #41

    Comeback

    Comeback

    clevcomebacks Report

    #42

    Comeback

    Comeback

    clevcomebacks Report

    #43

    Comeback

    Comeback

    clevcomebacks Report

    #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

    #46

    True Perfection Has Been Achieved

    True Perfection Has Been Achieved

    ekiechi Report

    #47

    Comeback

    Comeback

    clevcomebacks Report

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    #48

    Illegal Plants

    Illegal Plants

    YoloForJesusChrist Report

    #49

    I Hate Anti-Maskers

    I Hate Anti-Maskers

    CatPizza838 Report

    #50

    Old But Gold

    Old But Gold

    Y_Z_P Report

    #51

    Useless Trees

    Useless Trees

    Kennydoe Report

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