Being a professional in your work sphere means that you have to be the best at what you do and know the common sayings and basic politeness of the business letter format if you want other people to take you seriously. And though we all try our best to sound professional in work emails, sometimes missed deadlines, lack of response, and overwhelming projects can put us on edge. One of the keys to keeping a cool facade is the art of sending a polite email stuffed with polite common phrases, the kind that puts a glossy cover over your underlying frustrations. However, be careful when writing a passive-aggressive letter to someone - the truth might come out at some point, and the best outcome of that is you turning into a legendary office joke.

We here at Bored Panda have gathered some of the most common work letter examples and their true savage meanings. Scroll below to see examples of some passive-aggressive work correspondence and the funny jokes explaining them!

#1

Passive-Aggressive-Email-Phrases-Meaning

unknown Report

Hans
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"to put it that even a simple mind like you understands"

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#2

Passive-Aggressive-Email-Phrases-Meaning

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Bob Beltcher
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's why you send emails with receipts lol. I know you opened, it got the receipt back and saved.

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#3

Passive-Aggressive-Email-Phrases-Meaning

ChocolateSoul Report

Bob Beltcher
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

God yes, that's why we archive everything and the IT complains that our email servers are full.

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#5

Passive-Aggressive-Email-Phrases-Meaning

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Hans
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always wonder if I should send unfriendly reminders...

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#6

Passive-Aggressive-Email-Phrases-Meaning

dhwanixo Report

Shari H
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I use this as a confirmation. Typically in a follow-up email to a phone call so that I can get written confirmation of the discussion and ensure we are all clear on what is being done.

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#7

Passive-Aggressive-Email-Phrases-Meaning

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Bob Beltcher
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't try to ignore me because I'll come at you.

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#9

Passive-Aggressive-Email-Phrases-Meaning

unknown Report

Bob Beltcher
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't care what your opinion is. The record states xyz and if it's not documented then it didn't happen.

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#10

Passive-Aggressive-Email-Phrases-Meaning

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Bob Beltcher
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't want to have to tell you again so I'm going to be passive aggressive with my thank you in hopes that it will guilt you into doing it.

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#11

Passive-Aggressive-Email-Phrases-Meaning

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Hans
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Because you deliberately ignored it..."

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#12

Passive-Aggressive-Email-Phrases-Meaning

BoujeeBanton Report

Bob Beltcher
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lmao! I use this on a daily basis. As an regulator part if my job is making sure you follow your own damn policy that was approved by the board. It's YOUR policy, not mine. All you have to do is follow what you said you would do.

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#13

Passive-Aggressive-Email-Phrases-Meaning

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Sammiche
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I know you told me yesterday that you're working on it, but I've got someone back here telling me how 'urgent' this is and they won't be satisfied unless they're convinced that I'm devoting all of my time and effort to their issue."

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#14

Passive-Aggressive-Email-Phrases-Meaning

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Hans
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"We both know you got yourself into trouble"

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#15

Passive-Aggressive-Email-Phrases-Meaning

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Hans
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"with all due respect" = "you dumb piece of..."

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#16

Passive-Aggressive-Email-Phrases-Meaning

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Jaguarundi
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please clarify your instructions since last time you almost cost me my job.

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#20

Passive-Aggressive-Email-Phrases-Meaning

find0the0way Report

Magpie
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I address emails / letters to " the person that can "

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#21

Passive-Aggressive-Email-Phrases-Meaning

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Oerff On Tour
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I want this in black and white. I'm just trying to cover my own ass. "

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#22

Passive-Aggressive-Email-Phrases-Meaning

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Jaguarundi
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

and a big "THANK YOU!" to some of the most incompetent management I have ever had to work with.

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#25

Passive-Aggressive-Email-Phrases-Meaning

arseniareilly Report

Bob Beltcher
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stop giving me work and solve your own problems.

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#26

Passive-Aggressive-Email-Phrases-Meaning

TellTallTales Report

Bob Beltcher
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't half ass two things, whole ass one thing.

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