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Talkers debate. Masters obliterate.

You’ll find the latter on the Rare Insults subreddit, where the internet’s most skillful verbal assassins gather to admire the sharpest, most unexpected burns ever delivered. Some are immediate mic drops, others take a second to register—but once they do, there’s no forgetting them.

We’ve pulled together some of the finest examples—pure linguistic perfection that will have you grinning, wincing, and maybe even taking notes. Enjoy.

#1

A Thread On Aposematism

Twitter replies highlighting aposematism, showcasing clever use of words in a discussion about warning signals.

SameriteRL Report

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    #2

    Ouch That Must've Hurr

    A tweet showcasing a witty verbal comeback highlighting the power of weaponized words in a humorous exchange.

    JeyCavalli Report

    #3

    An Insult With A Great Ending

    Text exchange where one person defends truck drivers with sharp words, highlighting their hard work and sacrifices.

    reddit.com Report

    There’s something so deeply satisfying about witnessing a perfectly timed insult (especially when you’re not on the receiving end). It almost makes you want to jot them down for future use, ready to deploy at just the right moment. But having a great comeback in your arsenal isn’t enough—you also need sharp reflexes to deliver it at the perfect time. Otherwise, the moment is lost.

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    #4

    Don't Start Sh*t If You Can't Take Sh*t

    Text conversation displaying sharp comebacks, highlighting verbal sparring and witty replies.

    Bad-Umpire10 Report

    #5

    The Way This Tweet Blew Up

    Tweet by Mike Scollins using words humorously to describe Elon Musk fans.

    mikescollins Report

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    #6

    You Are The Reason They Stay Home

    Text exchange showcasing weaponized words about remote jobs and socializing.

    MsSeraphim Report

    BROmanicus85
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The only people I want to socialize with are my family and friends! My coworkers, are just that: coworkers! We have to collaborate, and that's that!

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    Nigerian actor and stand-up comedian Emmanuel Ahiaba, also known as MC Youngee, tells Bored Panda that timing is everything when it comes to a good comeback. In his profession, hecklers are an unavoidable part of the job, so knowing how to shut them down on the spot is an essential skill.

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    #7

    Never Heard This One Before

    Three witty social media comments using humor to mock medical necessity and insurance.

    kavsgme Report

    SCamp
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is one of the best burns ever, love that

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    #8

    Flextape Cant Fix

    Text exchange weaponizing words in a sarcastic argument.

    JENKIDAMA44 Report

    LB
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's a good reason to be satisfied, teaching something valuable to someone

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    #9

    Return To Sender

    Social media exchange weaponizing words with humorous remarks about British and American eating habits.

    BrokenSwordGYT Report

    ucp
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Christmas cake and cheese is a combination that endures because it is excellent. But you need a good, proper cheese.

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    “Just like in every other form of performance art, there are always people who don’t know how to enjoy the show. Some want to make themselves part of it and end up heckling the comedian,” MC Youngee explains. “I’ve had my fair share of this, and most times, the comedian wins. A quick, witty comeback can completely turn the moment around and get an incredible reaction from the audience.”

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    #10

    Holding Up The Past

    Tweet about a grocery line delay due to an Apple Watch, featuring witty remark by an elderly man.

    SteveRyanComedy Report

    #11

    Now That's Dedication

    Quora post with a sharp retort about employee commitment.

    ToastDevSystems Report

    troufaki13
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We don't waste olive oil. But he can use alcohol.

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    #12

    The “Complete” Package

    Text post humorously weaponizing words about walking naked; a wife’s witty remark about marriage and money.

    Ice60000 Report

    He recalls one particular night when an audience member interrupted him while he was talking about marriage. “I asked him, ‘Are you married?’ He said no, so I replied, ‘I don’t answer my throwbacks.’” The crowd erupted, and the heckler backed down instantly. “Trust me, these moments come spontaneously, and more often than not, they end up being the highlight of the show.”

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    #13

    Battling For My Spot In Hell

    Text conversation: one person expresses jealousy creatively, the other responds with a sharp comeback, weaponizing words.

    The_Iron_Grip Report

    Zephyr
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are some things you don't come back from

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    #14

    Medium Rare Burn

    Sliced steak on a cutting board with a humorous comment below, showcasing weaponized words in a Twitter exchange.

    AvfcFella Report

    #15

    Damn Is He Gonna Use Them As A Wet Wipe

    Text exchange showcasing witty wordplay in a professional context.

    Astronomylover999999 Report

    #16

    10/10 For The Burn

    Reddit joke about kissing a perfect 10 and cold mirrors, with a witty reflection comeback below.

    Jackhammer_YOUTUBE Report

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    #17

    He's Wasting It

    Text story about basic training where a kid carried a potted plant due to asking many questions, using words as a weapon.

    Useful-Disaster-309 Report

    SCamp
    Community Member
    10 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One of the best insults ever: Oxygen Thief (Work alternative: Salary Thief)

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    #19

    Stay In School!!

    Social media exchange showcasing people using words sharply in a discussion.

    Weekly_Glove9666 Report

    SCamp
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh 🔥 that is gold! I’m using that!

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    #20

    I Would Never Recover After This

    Reddit post using witty wordplay about skin not growing hair between eyebrows.

    Parallax_2137 Report

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    #21

    Grandma Is This True?

    Reddit thread discussing clever comebacks; humorous exchange about a grandma's perspective on appearance.

    empressoflight72 Report

    Earonn -
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But what a cute, sweet grandma! ♥

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    #22

    It's About Creating Something Better

    Text exchange showcasing clever wordplay, with a humorous comment about having a younger brother.

    L_Lawliet_4304 Report

    #23

    Damn He Got Roasted

    Reddit post about sight request with a comment using words humorously.

    ZombieAlternative834 Report

    #24

    Wendy's Always Has The Best Ones

    Hooters and Wendy's exchange sharp words about winter uniforms on Twitter.

    Wendys Report

    catastrophegirl
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the woman who used to run the wendy's twitter has a personal account on bluesky now. and is an absolute delight to follow

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    #25

    Frat House At 7am

    Card game dare and witty text exchange showcasing words weaponized humorously.

    Ames_Zahra Report

    Zephyr
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Used the stones to destroy the stones

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    #26

    Guess Who ?

    Screenshot of a Facebook post and reply featuring humorous use of words.

    K0TT-G Report

    #27

    Some Classes Are Like That

    Student humorously commenting on a course, showcasing the power of cleverly weaponized words.

    Shinigam_i Report

    trollingergirl
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I find this to be a rather friendly insult. After all, he would attend class :-)

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    #28

    Its Always Broken Too

    McDonald's tweet joking using burger and fries emojis; response remarks on ice cream emoji, showcasing weaponized words humor.

    high_qualityH2O Report

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    #29

    Damn This Is Hard

    Text exchange where words are humorously weaponized, with a mom's witty comeback about asthma.

    Nikdraws11 Report

    Zephyr
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When the developer admits to a product defect

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    #30

    Man Just Insulted A Whole A** State

    Text exchange with witty comeback about living expenses in Indiana, showcasing clever word play.

    lexa8070 Report

    kzys59pcrp
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    With inflation it’s two sacks of corn now

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    #31

    I Have Reason To Believe It Was A Mourning Dove

    Text message using sharp words humorously questions if someone was homeschooled by a pigeon.

    mstarrbrannigan Report

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    #33

    She Has Officially Disintegrated Into Pieces

    Text exchange using words as a weapon, with a witty comeback about strollers and wheelbarrows.

    Palesa_Dwaba Report

    #34

    Poor Organization Skills

    Two tweets showcasing weaponized words; one is a bold claim, the other a clever retort.

    jpower3479 Report

    #35

    Well Then Rip

    Text exchange weaponizing words with a witty comeback about cuteness.

    ConteStefanon Report

    #36

    Connor, The Human Equivalent Of A Honda Accord

    Text image humorously describing someone as the "human equivalent of a Honda Accord."

    AgentKitteh Report

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    #37

    This Shi Had Me Dead😂

    Text exchange with image of Vibram toe shoes as humorous birth control, showcasing weaponized words.

    Potential_Judgment76 Report

    #38

    This Might Be A Crime Scene

    Tweets displaying clever use of words for humorous impact in a conversation about painkillers.

    TTwelveUnits Report

    Zephyr
    Community Member
    10 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One will have to be able to identify a school bus first

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    #39

    Dude's Gonna Need Some Salve For That Burn

    Screenshot of a tweet where words are weaponized with witty and sarcastic comments.

    NoFleas Report

    Deborah
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OMG! Woke up the dog laughing at this one.

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    #40

    Fact: Most Girls Can't Tell Difference Between A 5'10 And 6

    Text exchange humorously demonstrates weaponized words between two people discussing height and roasts.

    jaychaitanya Report

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    #41

    She Didn’t Say Nothin... She Just Had That Look

    Text exchange about being mistaken for an employee and feeling "owned."

    OMGLMAOWTF_com Report

    #42

    Oh Well This Is Something New

    Text image with a witty remark on babies in theaters, using humor to emphasize the point.

    kajraray Report

    Zephyr
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Naaaaahhh don't say that to a person they'll deny their child

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    #43

    I Can Hear The Sound

    Tweet humorously weaponizing words about slipping off a bus.

    LucyParsonsRiot Report

    Peter Bear
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If this had been me, I wouldn't have even been mad. That's just sheer brilliance.

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    #44

    Flight Attendant Has Had Enough

    Tweet about a witty flight attendant's remark on mask fines and first-class seating.

    open_a_book Report

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    #46

    Very Big Oof

    Text exchange using clever wordplay about college dating, highlighting the humorous use of words.

    dicklongevity Report

    David
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know its a joke, but a 18 or 19 year old college kid with a 17 year old HS kid isnt actually crazy

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    #47

    Might Be The Most British Insult I’ve Ever Seen

    Social media comments where people humorously weaponized words about Tupperware.

    MinimalStrength Report

    SCamp
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bet the burner is a Brit, they have the best insult nouns - crumpet, cabbage, muppet, twat

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    #48

    Found In The James Cordon Ama

    Text image where someone uses words to assertively criticize behavior at a restaurant.

    Liteboyy Report

    Mike F
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wonder if they ever got an answer.

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    #49

    Two Insults For The Price Of One

    Comedian on stage with comments weaponizing words humorously below.

    lotusflower1995 Report

    #50

    On A Video Of Someone Pretending To Fall Over

    Text exchange using weaponized words with humorous and sarcastic replies.

    hambugrer Report

    #51

    "Who Is The Cringiest Celebrity?"

    Reddit conversation using words humorously, comparing DJ Khaled to a Pokémon, highlighting witty use of words.

    gooodkush Report

    KittyGaming
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The answer, almost 90% of them

    #52

    Legs Bigger Than Biceps 🫠

    Screenshot of a discussion where a user questions leg and bicep size, followed by a witty reply about "brain genetics."

    filmgrainenthusiast Report

    Thatkamloopsguy
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The bigger the muscles, the lower the IQ. They gotta come from somewhere.

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    #54

    The Power Of Imagination

    Conversation with sharp comebacks on Paper Mario, showcasing clever wordplay.

    __Dawn__Amber__ Report

    #55

    Rate My Professor Is Really Something

    Student uses words effectively in a negative professor review, highlighting the awful experience in BIO66.

    reddit.com Report

    Tabitha
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Rate My Professor saved me from signing up for classes taught by some real hardcore—-and unfortunately, tenured—-a******s.

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    #56

    I'm Taken 💀

    Text conversation showcasing clever use of words to respond humorously to a question about being single.

    The_Tech_Show Report

    Zephyr
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lord Jesus I'm ready....take me

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    #57

    Their Drink Of Choice Is Probably Watered Down Water

    Chat conversation weaponizing words with humorous mix-up about school and work, followed by witty user comments.

    witcchii Report

    #58

    Regarding Unclear Bathroom Signs: "This Artist Deserves To Be Paid In Exposure"

    Bathroom sign with humorous comments, highlighting clever use of words in online discussion.

    VeryGayLopunny Report

    SCamp
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The apostrophe though…😔 sorry

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    #59

    I'm Definitely Using This One

    Tweet with a sharp retort: "Wisdom pursues you, but you always run faster." 669 comments, 5 likes.

    Lord_Harkonan Report

    #60

    Pure Insults

    "Sarcastic text exchange weaponizing words with playful insults."

    Saitama2042 Report

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    #61

    Well Damn Alright Then

    Text conversation showcasing witty wordplay between a child and their mom.

    plkirk423 Report

    #62

    France Is Garbage

    Reddit post displaying witty exchange weaponizing words, with users discussing ocean garbage compared to France.

    LinkLord727 Report

    ucp
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I adore France. I’m English, so was raised with the whole thousand-years-of-animosity bullsh.t. But every time I’ve visited (about 20 times), I’ve loved.

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    #63

    Artful Photographs Of The Nude Form

    Text exchange showing humor with words used cleverly in conversation.

    Lemons_All_The_Time Report

    Rose Stewart
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At least he had the courtesy to ask

    #64

    Think It Belongs Here

    Text exchange showcasing humor as words are weaponized in a witty conversation.

    eaglee955 Report

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    #65

    This Is Probably The First Time I've Seen Someone Take A Shot At A Letter

    Text screenshot humorously weaponizing words about the alphabet order of Q.

    krxzy_wxrlxck Report

    Bear Hall
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But the letter Q is one of the oldest letters ever used. In the Canaanite alphabet it was pronounced "kuf" meaning "monkey", so it looks like a monkey with a tail.

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    #66

    Gonna Use This Daily

    Tweet showcasing clever wordplay about common sense and holding an umbrella.

    ActuallyArby Report

    Clown fish
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My favourite one I've heard is you're just like a bungalow 😂😂😂

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    #67

    Not A Fan Of British Cuisine

    Plate of homemade meal with potatoes, meat stew, and bread on a wooden table, showcasing weaponized words in humor.

    inwardsinparis Report

    Mike F
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Off topic, but that looks pretty good.

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    #68

    When Someone Mention Your Embarrassing Son, Change The Subject 🫢

    Social media comment using words as weapons, reading "I bet your parents change the subject when people ask about you."

    filmgrainenthusiast Report

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    #69

    Two Percent Milk

    Text post about a fourth-grade student nicknamed "milk" after scoring 2% on a math quiz, highlighting clever wordplay.

    YTSlime Report

    Corvus
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's the kind of burn that leaves scars.

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    #70

    That Wasn’t Very Friendly

    Tweet humorously criticizing a TV show by removing laugh tracks, discussing its actual humor without audience response.

    Alex_Awesomeness1 Report

    troufaki13
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They filmed in front of an actual audience.

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    #71

    She Asked For It Tho

    Text exchange where words are humorously weaponized in a roasting challenge.

    AnkitNemivant Report

    #72

    Gamer Hygiene Burns Are Evolving

    Tweet using humor to critique E3 cancellation, referencing hygiene and T-Virus.

    CtG4960 Report

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    #73

    If You Died Nothing In My Life Would Change

    Pizza image with witty comment on flipping a slice and a sharp reply, showcasing how people weaponized words.

    6rynn Report

    #74

    Insulting The Only Child

    Text message using weaponized words: "You learn from mistakes. Thats why youre the only child."

    reddit.com Report

    #75

    Parents And Tax Benefits

    Twitter thread humorously weaponizes words with comic characters in tuxedo and dress.

    Ulrich-Stern Report

    cj be like
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    off topic gumball and penny look great in that drawing

    #76

    That’s My First Time Hearing That

    People weaponized words in a humorous online exchange about fighting challenges.

    theofficaltaco69 Report

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    #77

    Short And Sweet

    Witty exchange: one user requests a link; another responds bluntly, emphasizing weaponized words with humor.

    L3g0man_123 Report

    LiuLiu
    Community Member
    Premium
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I want to use 'juiced orange'

    #78

    Didn’t Know You Could Destroy Someone With A Bot Command

    Reddit post about love with highly rated comment using words as weapon to suggest a future reminder.

    Nearby-Simple-7594 Report

    #79

    Hey Dont Call Us Out On It!!!

    A witty comment on a post using words as weapons, critiquing toilet paper habits humorously.

    pruttepuden Report

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

    You are supposed to wipe from front to back.

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    #80

    That Must’ve Hurt

    Chat exchange showcasing humorous responses and clever use of words.

    Silver_Indication_49 Report

    LB
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't like this one, it's rude

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