Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a heated argument, feeling like a deer caught in the headlights, desperately searching for a snappy reply? But here's the thing: that clever comeback doesn't always arrive when we need it most. Instead, it often sneaks up on us when we least expect it. We've all been there, haven't we? But today, let’s pay a tribute to the champions of banter.

Introducing the subreddit r/MurderedByWords, a treasure trove for “well-constructed put-downs, comebacks, and counter-arguments”. We’ve collected some of the most brilliant ways people have ended disagreements. So buckle up and get ready to dive into the art of winning an argument with style.

#1

Transphobic Aunt Called Out By An Actual Good Twitter User Vaush

Transphobic Aunt Called Out By An Actual Good Twitter User Vaush

JustYourBiBestie Report

Anne Jones
Community Member
3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s heartbreaking. A waste of a young life due to bigotry. 😭

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#2

A Congratulations At Least

A Congratulations At Least

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Monday
Community Member
3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not to mention people need time to relax. Yes you CAN spend 2 hours a day working on a skill and make noticeable improvements over time, but if those 2 hours are the only leisure hours you have you're just going to burn out.

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#3

They Didn't See This One Coming

They Didn't See This One Coming

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The subreddit r/MurderedByWords was created back in 2016 and it didn't take much time for it to attract a significant following. Currently, they have a whopping 2.8 million members who share and admire the art of clever comebacks.

"The way we see it, a murder should (but doesn't always have to) be more than a quick response or retort. The best murders are well-constructed, thought-out responses that leave the opening argument completely without any ability to reply. In other words, their point has been totally demolished. Now, obviously, there's more than one way to murder with words, and sometimes a quick rapier thrust or stab to the heart (a short, swift reply) can be just as deadly as a drawn-out murder, and you'll frequently see both types in this sub," the moderators of the subreddit have previously told Bored Panda.

#4

Look Who Just Discovered Consent

Look Who Just Discovered Consent

sunset_bay Report

#5

M**dered By Tasty Words

M**dered By Tasty Words

hexadecimal0xFF , twitter.com Report

KJ
Community Member
3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lol! Someone get the aloe vera for her!

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#6

Aussies Would Like To Have A Word

Aussies Would Like To Have A Word

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Monday
Community Member
3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It worries me that there are actually a few people that believe America has some super special rights the rest of the world doesn't. Sure there are countries with significantly fewer rights, but most of the western world have very similar human rights.

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While ruthless put-downs might be entertaining online, things work differently when you argue with someone face-to-face. As tension rises and responses become quite personal, you might find yourself seeking common ground rather than tearing each other down.

Arguments can happen unexpectedly in various places: between partners, friends, family members, at work, or even with strangers you've just met. When emotions run high, it's not always easy to keep yourself from losing control. Nevertheless, the wise choice would be to exercise restraint and self-control in such situations.

#7

Musk Fan Getting M**dered

Musk Fan Getting M**dered

Bruisss , twitter.com Report

#8

Capitalism Is Love, Capitalism Is Life

Capitalism Is Love, Capitalism Is Life

beerbellybegone Report

#9

One Hour Dry Burgers

One Hour Dry Burgers

beerbellybegone , twitter.com Report

ColorEd
Community Member
3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For a smart guy (allegedly), Elon can often be an indescribable moron.

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Clever put-downs or comebacks might end an argument for good. However, have you ever found yourself re-running the same fight with your partner or family member? It sounds too familiar, right? According to Linda Blair, a chartered clinical psychologist, you don’t have to go on like this. There are many ways to stop the endless quarrel.

Blair, in her insightful piece for The Guardian, suggests six techniques to consider to bring closure to a seemingly endless argument:

  • The DIY approach - Let go of the things that bother you by realizing that the problem lies not in your partner's actions, but in how you react and get annoyed by them.
  • The digging-under approach - If you want to figure out what your argument is really about, your job is to discover the underlying difference that is causing it.
  • The ring-fencing game - You can have an argument at set times and for a set duration.
  • The balancing act - Each partner chooses a behavior they find annoying in the other and suggests a positive alternative. Then, whenever the argument comes up, both partners agree to act in the positive manner instead of arguing.
  • Fifty shades of grey - To approach your argument more calmly, agree to take a break whenever it starts. Wait for at least 20 minutes to let emotions settle down and clear your mind. Then, come together and each suggest five ways the other person could behave or react that wouldn't be upsetting. Keep talking until you find a compromise that works for both of you.
  • The debating game - Both individuals should try to see things from their partner's perspective. Take turns arguing from the other person's side, spending about 10 minutes or until you feel you've explored all perspectives. Then share with your partner what you have learned from this exercise.

You can read more about it here.

#10

On A Post Discussing Those Creepy Children's Beauty Pageants In The Us And Diddling Kids

On A Post Discussing Those Creepy Children's Beauty Pageants In The Us And Diddling Kids

Jaegerbalm Report

#11

Cyanide Is Biologically Natural

Cyanide Is Biologically Natural

beerbellybegone Report

Monday
Community Member
3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Homosexuality is a fantastic way for nature to slow down population growth. Given how overpopulated some parts of the world has become I'd say we'd be better off as a species if more people were homosexual. Now if we can just get rid of b******t laws that make it hard for gays to adopt we could reduce the number of kids in the foster system too.

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#12

The Response To A Hateful Lady, Starts Out Pretty Strong, Loses Me A Bit In The Middle, And Then Ends With A Boom

The Response To A Hateful Lady, Starts Out Pretty Strong, Loses Me A Bit In The Middle, And Then Ends With A Boom

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What are your thoughts about these comebacks? Share them in the comment section! For similar content, check out our previous articles by clicking here, here, here and here.

#13

You're A Figment Of Imagination

You're A Figment Of Imagination

beerbellybegone Report

#14

Without Support From Mom And Dad

Without Support From Mom And Dad

beerbellybegone Report

StumblingThroughLife
Community Member
3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Another one who confuses Socialism with Communism. Oh dear. 🙄 "In brief, Communism backs full control of the Government across all standards of production and other resources. Socialism exercises adaptable forms of controlling the State."

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#15

It's Not The Piece Of Plastic

It's Not The Piece Of Plastic

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Feathered Dinosaur
Community Member
3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can Tony vibrate, though? If not I have bad news for him...

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#16

When Trying To Be An As**ole Misfires

When Trying To Be An As**ole Misfires

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KJ
Community Member
3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I bet xexxe69 was seething that he couldn't get a rise out of her, she totally murdered his arguments.

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#18

Your Personal Life Is Your Own, You Don't Owe Anyone An Answer

Your Personal Life Is Your Own, You Don't Owe Anyone An Answer

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Frances M
Community Member
3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I saw a gap I a resume I’d ask about it because you never know when they took that time to do something amazing that would help with the role you are looking to fill. A missing year? Did they travel? Learn a new skill? Become stronger in themselves? I once interviewed someone who didn’t put down education he did because it was not in my country, everything counts and makes you the person you are. The gaps count in all sorts of ways, some bad, some amazingly good.

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#19

Remember When People Hid Their Bigotry?

Remember When People Hid Their Bigotry?

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#20

Breed Some Friends

Breed Some Friends

DrewBk , twitter.com Report

Anyone-for-tea?
Community Member
3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sadness and confusion? Have you met my cats? They are a delight! And my niblings and godchildren are lovely too!

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#21

Brutal Takedown With An Incredibly Accurate Burn

Brutal Takedown With An Incredibly Accurate Burn

Zeuspooff , twitter.com Report

#22

Must Be Icing Themselves After That Roasting

Must Be Icing Themselves After That Roasting

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#23

It’s Okay Jesse

It’s Okay Jesse

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Monday
Community Member
3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The country is at a place where two parents who love each other also love their children? That sounds fantastic!

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#24

Parental Disparages

Parental Disparages

Quiet_Counter_1125 , twitter.com Report

#25

Red State vs. Blue State Problems

Red State vs. Blue State Problems

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#26

People In Glass Houses Shouldn‘T Throw Stones

People In Glass Houses Shouldn‘T Throw Stones

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#27

Courage Is All You Need? Huh?

Courage Is All You Need? Huh?

ztaker , twitter.com Report

#28

Seriously? Ireland?!

Seriously? Ireland?!

Ordinary_Truth787 Report

Jrog
Community Member
3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imperialism is a hell of a drug, but nothing compared to the Krokodil that runs amok in the Russian political and military high echelons

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#29

Idk If Repost But

Idk If Repost But

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PeepPeep the duck
Community Member
3 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If these are the Vietnamese ones, my friend (who is from there) says they are rice patty rats and totally different to what westerners perceive as a rat, and they taste good. I want to try them still so bad

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#30

Apparently Stars Are The Work Of The Devil

Apparently Stars Are The Work Of The Devil

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Mørkesverd
Community Member
3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean, he was never going to fail there. Rolled a natural 20 on his charisma check.

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#32

Twitter Is Amazing... Random Person Explaining An Astronaut How Space Works

Twitter Is Amazing... Random Person Explaining An Astronaut How Space Works

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Anne Jones
Community Member
3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How to look ridiculous in one easy lesson. 🙄

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#33

In Response To Putting Down American Olympic Champions

In Response To Putting Down American Olympic Champions

ascendingisborn , twitter.com Report

Anne Jones
Community Member
3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m a Brit so I have no idea who these people are (except Biden. I know he’s the president of America).

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#34

Tate Exposed As A Submissive Beta

Tate Exposed As A Submissive Beta

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Dave In MD
Community Member
3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anyone who uses "alpha" and "beta" seriously is just a total idiot.

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#35

Yes, She Deserves Better

Yes, She Deserves Better

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Stardust she/her
Community Member
3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate the caste system so much! In the past it wasn’t rigid so you could do intercaste marriage but then all this corruption made it rigid

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#36

Science V Politics V Religion

Science V Politics V Religion

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#37

He Seems To Be Struggling

He Seems To Be Struggling

Zealousideal_Talk479 , twitter.com Report

Phobrek
Community Member
3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Extra upvotes for Jemaine! ⬆️⬆️⬆️

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#38

Is It Possible To M**der Future Children With Words?

Is It Possible To M**der Future Children With Words?

Sptsjunkie , twitter.com Report

#39

What's Your Excuse?

What's Your Excuse?

beerbellybegone , twitter.com Report

Brendan (banned for downvotes)
Community Member
3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not everyone can just become a talented sculptor. I tried it at art school, and sucked at it. My wife, on the other hand, exhibited (and sold) her sculptures in art galleries.

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#40

The First Guy Really Thought He Was Doin Something By Messaging Randos To Criticize Their Pronouns

The First Guy Really Thought He Was Doin Something By Messaging Randos To Criticize Their Pronouns

TheSnowJacket , twitter.com Report

Note: this post originally had 90 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.