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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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annejones6050 avatar
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

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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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teerat avatar
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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tamrastiffler avatar
Tamra
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do "peacemakers" carry assault rifles now? 🤡

wehf100 avatar
Wilf
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm very glad that I live in a country where a kid that unnecessarily travelled 100's miles away from home, armed like a soldier, to a protest and then proceeded to shoot people to death in a claimed 'self defence' would not only be convicted of several counts of murder, but would be serving a whole life sentence. I hope the USA can join the civilised world one day.

suzycreamcheese avatar
Suzy Creamcheese
Community Member
10 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

@Dekker451, Rittenhouse was in a state where he didn't reside, with no valid reason to be there, in possession of a weapon that, due to age restrictions, was illegal for him to possess in that state. The miserable little fúck went there with the deliberate intent to kill someone, and he accomplished his goal. Self defense had nothing to do with it. You are a fúcking imbecile.

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heietodd69 avatar
Burnt Bagel
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I fuckking hate this kid! And pretty much anybody who supports him!

frank_4 avatar
Rostit .
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kyle Rittenhouse is a coward b***h sniveling p**s-a*s waste of space.

suzycreamcheese avatar
Suzy Creamcheese
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He may have gotten away with murder in a legal sense, but the little bastard will have to watch his back for the rest of his miserable, worthless life. There are plenty of people out there who wouldn't mind the opportunity to administer a little home-grown justice.

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timothynoble123 avatar
Saint Tim the Godless
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People like this are why I'm a liberal with an AR15. I f*****g HATE it, but when s**t hits the fan, I'm not going to be outgunned.

memcg avatar
me McG
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do unto others .... I for an I, maybe Kyle will manifest his kingdom come when confronted with a good guy with a gun with a faster draw.

danielgreene_1 avatar
Ididn'tknowyoucouldaddspaces
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not to be inconsiderate, but did anyone else read this as "Blessed are the cheesemakers"?

annachandler avatar
Anna Chandler
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Little effing murderer Rottenhouse probably worships Dahmer and finds that comeback a compliment.

kjl01 avatar
Karen Lyon
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How dare that little twit spout off about being a peacemaker? WTAF.

ronniecutshall avatar
I give up on society
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok going to get down voted. Here it goes did a pastor touch him in a special place. Cause I watch him on TV and made me wonder.

perstephone29 avatar
Persephone
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I keep upvoting everything then I'm like "omg this 1 is even better!!!"

graciemaddles avatar
Gmaddles
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who even in the Bible would be considered a peacekeeper? Most of the stories end in someone doing something petty and then being brutally murdered for it

jill-bragdon avatar
MacintoshID
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The very best comeback to date! Thank you Ryan Pinesworth. I need to follow you on Twitter. KR is just another piece of trash that is littering our beautiful nation.

yellowsyringe153 avatar
Yeeters
Community Member
10 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wait, wasn't his whole thing that he killed two men in self defense after they invaded his home? I cannot remember all the details, but that's what it was, no? edit: can you like, not downvote me for literally asking a question?

happyfarmer avatar
Happy Farmer
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No. There were riots in Kenosha (my hometown, where this took place.) he randomly shot 3 people on the street. He was 17

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eileenkeller94 avatar
Metalhead Turtle 🇺🇦
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He's a POS murderer. IIRC, he crossed state lines (from Illinois to Wisconsin) and shot 3 people on the street. At the time, he was 17. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

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Jason Wetzel
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And the snowflakes come out in drones when they see someone defend themselves from criminals. Justice served and not one s**t given for those that attacked him.

richardfoertsch avatar
Printerman
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Phucking a-hole went out of his way to confront people and killed them is talking about "peacemakers". Almost as ironic as naming that particular Colt handgun was.

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•teddy•bear•
Community Member
10 months ago

This comment has been deleted.

vboyer974 avatar
Anikulapo
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Calling LGM-118 missiles “children of God” is pushing it a bit.

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David Leick
Community Member
10 months ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

dON't yOu bElIeVe iN dUe pRoCeSs!?!?!?!?$

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Paul Neff
Community Member
10 months ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Ya know, say what you want, but the jury still found him innocent. Public opinion has a flawless track record, on the other hand.

alixpitcher_1 avatar
Alix Pitcher
Community Member
10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The ultra-conservative judge guaranteed that result. He refused to allow the prosecution to refer to those who were killed as victims. He invited Rittenhouse to sit with him on the bench. He belittled the families of the victims. Other judges, even the conservative ones, said that his behavior was reprehensible.

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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

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annejones6050 avatar
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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Note: this post originally had 90 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.