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.
This post may include affiliate links.
Yep May Be It Is True
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.
Do You Have One?
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.”
Never Underestimate A Woman
Men, you can’t have babies. Sit down when *women’s* reproductive rights are discussed
Found It On Twitter. Hope I Am Not Too Late
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.
Kid Has A Bright And Shocking Future In Front Of Him
Just Another Reason To Keep My Purple Hair
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.
“Migrants Can’t Assimilate Into Society”
They Don't Give A Damn
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,
Well Then Rip
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.
What A Good Reply
Keep Your Stick On The Ice
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'."
Love This Guy
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.
I Don’t Care If Repost Made Me Laugh
Not Be A Baby Machine
Oof. That Burn Needs Some Love
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”.
Please Wear A Mask And Stay Safe
That's pretty much the best explanation of why we wore face masks I've ever seen.
You're The Problem
Room Temperature IQ
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”.
Who Orders Small Coffee Anyway?
The weakest minds need someone, anyone, to look down on for no reason.
Just Try Not Being Straight For Awhile
And forgetting your kids birthday 3 years running? I’m adopting your son. You’re fired.
Why Don't You Stand Up For Yourself?
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.”
Some Good Luck!
Thank You Andy Wang!
The lunar calendar was the norm before the Gregorian calendar, most religious festivals, including Christianity are aligned to lunar cycles, that why Easter dates change every year, although, in reality only orthodox Christians do it properly.
Easter was originally tied to Passover, which moves every year. The church decided they didn't want it tied to a Jewish holy period any more, so they came up with a new way to move it. This happened in 325, at the same time they set Christmas, 1200 years before the Gregorian calendar was declared by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582.
Load More Replies...Testing ... Wong... W.o.n.g? W**g ... W.A.N.G? Why? Is it an insult in English?
it's slang for weiner edit: but they didn't censor that one
Load More Replies...Are you asking why it’s racist. W**g is a Asian based last name (which I have) the fact that they censor that and not vagina or pussy is ahh
Load More Replies...Why? "Cultural appropriation"? To anyone that doesn't like living in whe "World melting pot": the USA is made up of hundreds of cultures. Massive diversity. You don't like that? LEAVE. no one is going to miss you.
So we can ban Kassy from celebrating New Year's, Mardi Gras, St Pat's, Easter, Halloween, and Yule because she's not from that culture? Probably shouldn't take time off for Memorial Day or Veterans Day, either.
Thank you, Andy, for the generous invitation. I'll use your name at the door.
Let me formally invite everyone to celebrate Midsummer's Eve on Friday. If you wan't to. We eat lots of fresh potatoes and pickled herring, drink schnaps and often have a barbecue in the evening. As it never gets dark here that night (we have dusk that directly turn into dawn), we can party until morning. Strawberry cake is another popular thing to celebrate with. Oh, and we're off work; it's a bank holiday! (Can't make that happen in every country, sadly.) Google "små grodorna midsommar" and you'll see a lot of funny dance moves (it means "small frogs midsummer".)
Cinco de Mayo isn't celebrated by many outside of Puebla, Mexico, but that doesn't stop the Americans from celebrating a Mexican holiday they know nothing about. As for Spring Festivities, part of the Lunar New Year, I can't think of a nationality who doesn't celebrate something during this period of rebirth/change of season/harvest, etc.
I'm pretty sure every Ancient culture has some "Lunar" related celebration
BP,this is the gentleman's name. Utterly disgusting that you censored it. Do you have issues with Asians? If so you need to address this with your team
Straights facts ~ me, a pissed Asian who BP didn’t let share my last name on my account because it’s W@ng
Load More Replies...W**g is another word for p&nis, that's also a reason why it was blocked.
I'm from Sweden. I get excited about moon cakes every year. I have not faced any obstacles when it comes to eating them while celebrating lunar new year.
Thanks Andy! Now everyone on earth can celebrate lunar new year. We can also celebrate how much of an idiot kassy is.
It Was Social Distancing Haha
I thought dinosaurs were just a prank of Satan's, since the world is only 6000 years old.
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.
Definitely Atheists That Do This
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!"
I Understand Completely
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!
Whatever Your Weakness, There's A Hellion To Exploit It
Goodwill does this... just one more reason to not take your business there.
So next time, we hope you have the confidence and quick wit to deliver that perfect comeback. Stay sharp!
They Also Don't Come In Exciting Anime
It could be cool if they do. Imagine hiking and then something jump from a tree branch yelling Squiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirel !!!
Whatttt !?? No Vegan Options At KFC!???
British Museum
Idk If This Has Been Posted Before, But I Love His Little Smile
Look Before You Leap
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!
I Hope This Hasn’t Been Done Before
Stealing The Rainbow
Separate Payments
Big Footprints To Fill
Education Is Vitally Important, After All
I have met brick walls that are more sentient than Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Bless This Woman
Why Would They Need To Am I Rite?
I do to get groceries without a large crowd and lines.Also allergic to the sun.
People Really Live In Their Own Little Bubbles
Comeback
Imagine that person writing that respone and thinking:"There. Clown shoes. The perfect analogy! Let's see them coming back from that one!"
Comeback
Comeback
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
Simple Math To Hard
Can Anyone Show Martha The Original Constitution ?
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.
True Perfection Has Been Achieved
Comeback
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.
Illegal Plants
I Hate Anti-Maskers
Old But Gold
Useless Trees
Again? Pretty sure all of these were included the last time this list was posted.
Why do you think this site is called Bored panda. To get bored!
Load More Replies...Some are really great and it was funny even if i knew them, but yeah that was a lot of repost, most of these date from 2020 covid stuff
Nothing funny has happened since then. It is known 😆
Load More Replies...Wow Oleksandra Kyryliuk, what a treasure trove of Covid-era funny posts. So refreshing. May I suggest some Y2K humour for your next hit article?
Agreed, but not the exact same ones again, please.
Load More Replies...I'm starting to believe that all these BP 'writers' are just AI making up fake bios and scraping old post, other sites putting together stuff that kinda fits into a grouping that will certainly change its title at LEAST once - if not more as people point out the title doesn't quite fit.
So the Asian name W'a.n,g needs to be censored. Pretty sure that is racist.
Again? Pretty sure all of these were included the last time this list was posted.
Why do you think this site is called Bored panda. To get bored!
Load More Replies...Some are really great and it was funny even if i knew them, but yeah that was a lot of repost, most of these date from 2020 covid stuff
Nothing funny has happened since then. It is known 😆
Load More Replies...Wow Oleksandra Kyryliuk, what a treasure trove of Covid-era funny posts. So refreshing. May I suggest some Y2K humour for your next hit article?
Agreed, but not the exact same ones again, please.
Load More Replies...I'm starting to believe that all these BP 'writers' are just AI making up fake bios and scraping old post, other sites putting together stuff that kinda fits into a grouping that will certainly change its title at LEAST once - if not more as people point out the title doesn't quite fit.
So the Asian name W'a.n,g needs to be censored. Pretty sure that is racist.