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Being a professional in your work sphere means that you have to be the best at what you do and know the common sayings and basic politeness of the business letter format if you want other people to take you seriously. And though we all try our best to sound professional in work emails, sometimes missed deadlines, lack of response, and overwhelming projects can put us on edge. 

One of the keys to keeping a cool facade is the art of sending an email stuffed with polite common phrases, the kind that puts a glossy cover over your underlying frustrations. However, be careful when writing a passive-aggressive letter to someone—the truth might come out at some point, and the best outcome of that is you turning into a legendary office joke.

We here at Bored Panda have gathered some of the most common work letter examples and their true savage meanings. Scroll below to see examples of some passive-aggressive work correspondence and funny email translations!

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How Do You Know if an Email is Passive-Aggressive?

You’ve just received an email, and something about it seems off. It’s dressed in a suit of politeness, but underneath, there’s a vibe of sarcasm. If the email is heavy on corporate email lingo that reads like “Just a friendly reminder” or “As previously stated,” it’s waving a red flag at you.

Those are the hallmarks of passive-aggressive emails. And the sign-off? If it’s a frosty “Best Regards” when you know there’s a storm brewing, that’s your clue. It’s the art of email translations, where “Best” doesn't always mean best wishes.

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John Louis
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, it is possible that I am wrong. Please fact check me. If I am wrong on something it means I have learned something new.

BlackestDawn
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep, that is the way I use it. Sometimes you just don't have all the relevant facts at hand, and this invites the others to add to them.

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UnicornHuman
Community Member
6 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

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Kim Lorton
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here, let me make it very easy for you. I can happily pull all the email I sent you, with receipts to state you opened them and therefore knew they were there, and hopefully read them. So, if you really like, I can get all that together for you and bring it to our meeting with your boss. He wants to know why you are not included in the team email reception of important information. I have copies so, he can have what I have. Hope this allows you to find what your looking for. I.e. the “ missing emails” and dates we sent them to you and were received by you. Thank you. You miserable piece of s**t.

Šimon Špaček
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are only two opinions about that issue. Mine opinion and the wrong opinion.

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How Do I Stop Being Passive-Aggressive in Email?

Switching gears to your own email habits, it’s key to keep passive aggression out of your digital correspondence. Clarity is king. Be direct, be kind, and ditch the double meanings. Instead of falling into the trap of sending passive-aggressive emails, state your needs or next steps with straightforward kindness.

And about those closings—skip the passive-aggressive email sign-off like “Regards” when you feel anything but. A simple “Thank you” will do. It shows you’re above the fray, keeping it professional without the side of sass.

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