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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

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Anne Jones
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated 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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wendillon avatar
Monday
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated 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.

#5

M**dered By Tasty Words

M**dered By Tasty Words

hexadecimal0xFF , twitter.com Report

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#6

Aussies Would Like To Have A Word

Aussies Would Like To Have A Word

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wendillon avatar
Monday
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated 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.

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#9

One Hour Dry Burgers

One Hour Dry Burgers

beerbellybegone , twitter.com Report

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ColorEd
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated 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:

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  • 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

Grandma's Taking No Prisoners

Grandma's Taking No Prisoners

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#11

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

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#12

Cyanide Is Biologically Natural

Cyanide Is Biologically Natural

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wendillon avatar
Monday
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated 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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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

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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#15

Without Support From Mom And Dad

Without Support From Mom And Dad

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StumblingThroughLife
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated 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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#16

It's Not The Piece Of Plastic

It's Not The Piece Of Plastic

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#17

When Trying To Be An As**ole Misfires

When Trying To Be An As**ole Misfires

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KJ
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated 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

Self-Made Success Story

Self-Made Success Story

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Tee Rat
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bought our first house, was gifted our first house. It's sort of close.

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#19

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
10 months ago DotsCreated 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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#21

Breed Some Friends

Breed Some Friends

DrewBk , twitter.com Report

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Anyone-for-tea?
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated 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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#22

Brutal Takedown With An Incredibly Accurate Burn

Brutal Takedown With An Incredibly Accurate Burn

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#24

It’s Okay Jesse

It’s Okay Jesse

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wendillon avatar
Monday
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated 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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#26

Red State vs. Blue State Problems

Red State vs. Blue State Problems

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#27

People In Glass Houses Shouldn‘T Throw Stones

People In Glass Houses Shouldn‘T Throw Stones

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#29

Seriously? Ireland?!

Seriously? Ireland?!

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Jrog
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated 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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#30

Idk If Repost But

Idk If Repost But

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PeepPeep the duck
Community Member
10 months ago (edited) DotsCreated 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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#31

Apparently Stars Are The Work Of The Devil

Apparently Stars Are The Work Of The Devil

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Mørkesverd
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated 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

Largest Landowner Gets Owned

Largest Landowner Gets Owned

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Ron Man
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So they have a tree farm and Bookersbooks doesn't understand farming or agriculture.

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#33

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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#34

In Response To Putting Down American Olympic Champions

In Response To Putting Down American Olympic Champions

ascendingisborn , twitter.com Report

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Anne Jones
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated 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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#35

Tate Exposed As A Submissive Beta

Tate Exposed As A Submissive Beta

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#36

Yes, She Deserves Better

Yes, She Deserves Better

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Stardust she/her
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated 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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#37

Science V Politics V Religion

Science V Politics V Religion

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#39

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

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

Sptsjunkie , twitter.com Report

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#40

What's Your Excuse?

What's Your Excuse?

beerbellybegone , twitter.com Report

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Brendan (banned for downvotes)
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated 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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