10. After responding, do you feel satisfied, or something else? 7. 9. When a person is being sarcastic, they are not necessarily being mean but they are trying to be witty. What are the young people in your life learning about how to respond to hurtful sarcasm? You know that was a joke, right? Fight fire with fire if you can. I myself am a sarcastic person when I am around the right people. 15. One more time: you sure you’re not fucking with me? Apologize for laughing. Keep responding and eventually you'll be satisfied with your responses. Response Options Editor’s Note: We revised this piece after several readers pointed out that the original version put the burden on the recipient of an offensive comment to address larger systemic biases. Attractive people have the worst lives. Sarcasm is supposed to be a joke—a joke that covers anger or contempt or jealousy, but a joke nonetheless. Return the sarcasm? [awkward silence] 13. 06 *Shrug* “You know…” This is a good response to a friend because he/she will likely know exactly what you mean. Response #1: Be literal in your answer. Your friends will expect you to say "fine" or "good," so shake things up by providing an unexpected answer. Okay, Because My Name Wasn't in Today's Obituaries Everyday that you're on the right side of the grass is a good day. Get angry? Is there a best way to respond? 16. So when faced with “That new boyfriend of yours is a real winner” or “Mmmm, love this home cooking!” respond to the content, not the tone. Don't laugh. IT WAS JUST A JOKE! Patiently explain what comedy is. Your silence will let your supervisor know that you don't find his racially-tinged humor funny. 14. It must be that fantastic personality you also have. Don't tell off your boss. Patiently explain what sarcasm is. Leave? Nate’s Bio: I’m Nate, and I teach English conversation to people who love travelling and to people who use English for their jobs in … 17. If your boss doesn't take the hint and makes another racist joke later, give him the … The first way is as a joke, and the other way is used when you are being sarcastic and aren’t in the mood to do much talking with anyone. 8. May 10, 2017 - Top ten witty and snappy comebacks that can be used in any situation. 12. Top Ten Witty Comebacks for all Occasions Top Ten Comebacks for Verbal Bullies Top Ten Witty Comebacks for the Not so Bright Ten comebacks for Toxic People Shut down? Numb out? It was just a joke. Smile? Complain? Change the subject? Sarcasm is supposed to be a joke—a joke that covers contempt or jealousy , but a joke nonetheless. [awkward silence] 11. Grimace? Whine? And what’s worse for the joker than having the joke fall flat? Sarcastic Response: “Seriously. Criticize? It keeps you grounded.” 7. “That was a good one”- This is a very common way to respond when someone tells a great joke in English . Joke? Start laughing. The best response is to do and say nothing. Most important thing is to ALWAYS respond because 1. only then your brain actually trains coming back immediately with cunning and funny responses 2. remember that it is practically always seen better to come back with some underwhelming answer than to say nothing at all. I honestly don’t know how you cope.