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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 an 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 funny email translations!

#1

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Hans
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5 years ago DotsCreated 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

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Bob Beltcher
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5 years ago DotsCreated 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

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Bob Beltcher
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5 years ago DotsCreated 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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How Do You Know if an Email is Passive-Aggressive?

You’ve just received an email, and something about it seems off. It’s dressed in a suit of politeness, but underneath, there’s a vibe of sarcasm. If the email is heavy on corporate email lingo that reads like “Just a friendly reminder” or “As previously stated,” it’s waving a red flag at you.

Those are the hallmarks of passive-aggressive emails. And the sign-off? If it’s a frosty “Best Regards” when you know there’s a storm brewing, that’s your clue. It’s the art of email translations, where “Best” doesn't always mean best wishes.

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John Louis
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, it is possible that I am wrong. Please fact check me. If I am wrong on something it means I have learned something new.

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BlackestDawn
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep, that is the way I use it. Sometimes you just don't have all the relevant facts at hand, and this invites the others to add to them.

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UnicornHuman
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5 years ago

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Kim Lorton
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here, let me make it very easy for you. I can happily pull all the email I sent you, with receipts to state you opened them and therefore knew they were there, and hopefully read them. So, if you really like, I can get all that together for you and bring it to our meeting with your boss. He wants to know why you are not included in the team email reception of important information. I have copies so, he can have what I have. Hope this allows you to find what your looking for. I.e. the “ missing emails” and dates we sent them to you and were received by you. Thank you. You miserable piece of s**t.

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Šimon Špaček
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are only two opinions about that issue. Mine opinion and the wrong opinion.

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#6

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Shari H
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5 years ago DotsCreated 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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How Do I Stop Being Passive-Aggressive in Email?

Switching gears to your own email habits, it’s key to keep passive aggression out of your digital correspondence. Clarity is king. Be direct, be kind, and ditch the double meanings. Instead of falling into the trap of sending passive-aggressive emails, state your needs or next steps with straightforward kindness.

And about those closings—skip the passive-aggressive email sign-off like “Regards” when you feel anything but. A simple “Thank you” will do. It shows you’re above the fray, keeping it professional without the side of sass.

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#9

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Bob Beltcher
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5 years ago DotsCreated 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

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Bob Beltcher
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5 years ago DotsCreated 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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#12

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Bob Beltcher
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5 years ago DotsCreated 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

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Sammiche
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5 years ago DotsCreated 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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#16

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Jaguarundi
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5 years ago DotsCreated 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

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#22

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Jaguarundi
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5 years ago DotsCreated 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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