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There’s nothing better than thinking of the perfect, most brilliant comeback for someone else’s snarky remark. But there’s nothing worse than coming up with it 30 seconds too late. We’ve all been there: as you’re driving home, you suddenly think of a clever reply. But it’s too late, and now that interaction will haunt you for years...
Luckily, on the internet, we have a bit more time to craft the best responses. Here’s a list of screenshots from the Clever Comebacks subreddit that might inspire you to use your wits more often. Enjoy scrolling through these pics, and be sure to upvote the ones that would make your 12-year-old self say, “Ooh, burn!”
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#1
Blue Checkmarked Too!
RELATED:
#2
I Mean, He's Not Wrong
#3
Both Magnus Carlsen And I Can Play Chess
Pretty much everyone has been in a situation where a clever comeback could have saved them, either from embarrassment or from unsolicited comments. But it’s also a universal experience to be unable to spit out the perfect comeback in time. There’s even a Seinfeld episode dedicated to it, where George ruminates on the fact that he thought of, "Well, the Jerk Store called, and they're running out of you,” too late.
Unfortunately, most of us do concoct the perfect replies too late, which is why the Clever Comebacks subreddit is such a satisfying place. This community has 1.2 million visitors weekly, so there’s absolutely no shortage of new, brilliant content on any given day. From roasting trolls to obliterating misogynists with one comment, this is the place to be if you want to improve your comeback game.
#5
Why In The World Is This A Thing People Believe
#6
Are You Really A Good Person?
EvanisHere 1 hour ago
I ask my girlfriend, she asks our mutual friend and he asks his boyfriend and in the end none of us really know what we were doing.
Now, not every situation warrants a brutal comeback. Sometimes, the mature thing to do is simply show the other person grace and hope that they respond nicely to your kindness. But if a person makes an offensive comment, rudely mocks your physical appearance, or clearly has no interest in being polite, you will be justified in sharing an epic comeback.
And if you’re looking for some to keep up your sleeve, Reader’s Digest has got you covered. First, there’s the iconic, “That sounds like a you problem.” It’s simple, but a classic for a reason. You can also give someone a backhanded compliment, such as, “Someday you’ll go far– and I really hope you stay there.”
#7
No One Delegates Like Elon
Rosecrucian Roeth 1 hour ago
Jesus, he couldn't raise the hairs on the back of a coward...........................
#8
That’s A Billion Dollar Burn
Riley Quinn 6 minutes ago
Thank you slate. I'm still PO'd about not being able to use Twitter anymore bc of the hatred he's allowed to rein with no restrictions. Reddit is kinder and more diplomatic.
#9
The Call Is Coming From Inside The House
Reader’s Digest also has some suggestions for comebacks to use in specific situations. For example, if someone mocks an aspect of your physical appearance, you can hit them with something along the lines of, “Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clean to the bone.” And if you simply can’t stand someone’s behavior, it might be time to tell them, “You bring everyone a lot of joy… when you leave the room.”
#10
Truer Words Have Never Been Spoken
#11
Apply Directly To The Burn
dan gerene 1 hour ago
When and where is the government controlling stoves? In Conspiracy Land? Is this like banning hamburgers and Christmas?
#12
Someone Needs To Send Help
FranSinclair 50 minutes ago
Maybe you just dont like what they have to say? Its a tale as old as time. One of my favorite songs is from the 60s and they sing "Young people speaking their minds Are getting so much resistance from behind" those that are trying to silence our youth/young adults were once the voices trying to be heard... You think they'd have some insight to listen.
If you’re wondering why you always think of a comeback moments too late, you’re certainly not alone. In fact, the French even have a term for this experience: l’esprit de l’escalier or “staircase wit.” This was coined by 18th-century philosopher Denis Diderot, but it’s still just as relevant today.
#13
When A Dystopia With Hungry Children Is Painted As A Feel Good Story
#14
The Founders Would Say "The Fuck Is An Ohio?"
#15
God Is A Chef Apparently
Apparently, there’s even a scientific explanation for why our brains freeze up when we’re tasked with creating a brilliant comeback on the spot. This is partially because, when faced with confrontation, your amygdala takes over. This is the part of the brain that processes fear and anxiety, and it plays a key role in our fight or flight response. That’s why our instincts tend to take the wheel in these situations, and we can’t be as clever or suave as we’d like to be.
#16
Flat Earthers Make Me Happy Because I Know I'm Not A Complete Failure
#17
You Can Still Breathe Idiot
#18
I Think It's Satire But It's Funny Either Way
Unless you’re on an improv troupe or you’ve been blessed with the brain and tongue of an Aaron Sorkin character, there’s a good chance you’re not perfect at comebacks. And you know what, that’s totally fine! It’s unrealistic to expect yourself to be sharp and witty at all times. Plus, sinking to a rude person’s level by insulting them back isn’t always the most mature move to make. As Michelle Obama says, "When they go low, we go high."
#20
Just Wait
#21
They’re Only In It For Themselves
Chris the Bobcat 1 minute ago
"Politicians hide themselves away, they only started the war. Why should they go out to fight? They leave that all to the poor." - Black Sabbath, 'War Pigs', 1970.
We hope you’re enjoying your scroll through these clever and brutal comebacks, pandas! Keep upvoting the ones that you’ll be keeping in your back pocket, and let us know in the comments below if you have any more comebacks that could absolutely obliterate a bully. Then, if you’re interested in checking out another Bored Panda list featuring satisfying encounters like these, look no further than right here!
#22
I Wonder Why
Bewitched One 32 minutes ago
Am I reading this wrong or dies the response have what the original post said backwards?
#23
I’ll Take Made-Up Stories For $500, Alex
#26
One Hour Dry Burgers
#28
That Is A Good One
Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het 50 minutes ago
Ben Shapiro again. It is no coincidence that his initials are BS.
#29
To Really Show Him He Should Buy 100 Copies
#30
Rules Are Rules
Upstaged75 2 hours ago
In 2 years she's going to be posting "why won't my son speak to me anymore?".
#33
God Created Cancel Culture
#34
Ozone Layer
#35
Well, Is She Wrong?!
Peter Bear 1 hour ago
Fun fact that very few people know; the entire reason for the flood was that humanity was too tolerant of casual m****r.
#36
Complaining Is Easier Than Fixing
#37
Good Reply. Understood The Assignment
#39
Rush That Man To The Burn Unit. Stat
dan gerene 1 hour ago
He thinks that the girl that smiled at him at the drive-thru is in love with him. But she wasn't up to his standards.
#40
Idk If This Has Been Posted Before, But I Love His Little Smile
Ellinor she/they/elle 1 hour ago
Is there also a Universe in which Stephen Hawkins is not mentioned in the Epste!n files ?
#41
Pretty Simple!!!!!
#44
Savage Level 100
#46
Not To Mention Charging You For Telling You That You Don't Have Money
#47
Climate Change Is An Issue, Mr Clarkson
#49
Alpha Guy Is On A Highway To Prison
#51
And The Most Hair-Raising
#53
Does This Count?
#54
When The World Revolves Around The USA
#56
Gonna Need Some Cream For That Burn Mate
#57
Hypocrisy Comes Naturally
#59
Thoughtful Guy
#60
Found On Another Page. Personally I Find This One Perfect. Double Standard Much?
#61
Never Bring A Book To The Bar
#66
This Is Correct
Joe Publique 22 minutes ago
My neighbour's Tesla has a sticker that says "Sorry. We bought this before we knew Elon was a c**t".
#67
Why Would You Even Reject The Jacket?
Roxy222uk 1 hour ago
Let’s be straight. She’s entitled to fancy who she fancies and doesn’t have to justify it. And every woman reading this knows we all need to be careful about what we accept from men we aren’t interested in taking things further with. That said, no idea why it had to be posted publicly but I’m one of the generations that doesn’t have to splurge out every last thing that went through our minds or we did.
#68
He Just Nailed It
#70
How Can He Make Comments When He Was Not Even There For The Committee Hearings On Inflation?
#72
Just A Gender Reveal
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