Sometimes people throw shade like it’s their day job. Whether it’s a backhanded compliment or a snarky comment, it’s important to be prepared with a witty comeback.
You don’t have to stoop to their level, but a clever response can turn the situation in your favor. Here are of the best responses to catty remarks, designed to keep your cool and maintain your sense of humor!
Top List Of Responses to Catty Remarks
- “Oh, did you need some aloe for that burn?”
- “Bless your heart.”
- “I’ll try to be more like you next time.”
- “I didn’t know we were competing.”
- “Is that supposed to be helpful?”
- “Thanks for your concern, but I’m good.”
- “You seem to know a lot about this!”
- “Let me know when you’re done.”
- “Sounds like a ‘you’ problem.”
- “I’ll survive.”
- “Well, that’s one opinion.”
- “Oh, you noticed!”
- “I’m not here to please you.”
- “Isn’t it exhausting being so negative?”
- “I’ll file that under ‘opinions that don’t matter.'”
- “That’s a bold statement for someone who…”
- “Wow, you’re really invested in this!”
- “You must be fun at parties.”
- “I didn’t realize you were keeping track.”
- “I admire your dedication to pettiness.”
- “Can I borrow your crystal ball?”
- “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
- “Are you auditioning for a reality show?”
- “It must be exhausting living in your head.”
- “I guess I should care… but I don’t.”
1. “Oh, did you need some aloe for that burn?”
This response flips the situation, subtly suggesting that their remark may have backfired. It’s playful and shows you’re unfazed.
Examples:
- “That’s a bold fashion choice.” / “Oh, did you need some aloe for that burn?”
- “I thought you liked wearing outdated styles.” / “Someone get them aloe!”
- “Wow, you’re really trying today.” / “Aloe is on sale this week, by the way.”
2. “Bless your heart.”
Classic and southern, this phrase can sound sweet, but it’s packed with hidden sass. It works best when delivered with a smile.
Examples:
- “You look tired today.” / “Bless your heart.”
- “I could never pull that outfit off.” / “Bless your heart.”
- “Interesting way to do your makeup.” / “Well, bless your heart.”
3. “I’ll try to be more like you next time.”
Sarcasm at its finest. This response makes it clear that you’re not taking their criticism seriously.
Examples:
- “You’re not very good at this.” / “I’ll try to be more like you next time.”
- “I wouldn’t have done it that way.” / “I’ll take notes from you for next time.”
- “You really should try harder.” / “Next time, I’ll try to match your standards.”
4. “I didn’t know we were competing.”
Perfect for situations where someone’s trying to one-up you or compare themselves.
Examples:
- “I’ve done that way better.” / “Oh, I didn’t know we were competing.”
- “I got the promotion first.” / “Wait, is this a competition?”
- “I’ve always been better at this.” / “And here I thought we weren’t keeping score.”
5. “Is that supposed to be helpful?”
Calling out their remark for what it is: not helpful at all. This direct approach can be surprisingly disarming.
Examples:
- “You should have known that.” / “Is that supposed to be helpful?”
- “Everyone else does it better.” / “Not sure how that helps, but okay.”
- “Why would you even try that?” / “And that’s helpful how?”
6. “Thanks for your concern, but I’m good.”
A polite way to shut down unsolicited or rude comments, showing you’re confident in yourself.
Examples:
- “You don’t really know what you’re doing, do you?” / “Thanks for your concern, but I’m good.”
- “I wouldn’t wear that.” / “Appreciate the concern, but I’m fine.”
- “Are you sure you want to do that?” / “Thanks, but I’ve got it covered.”
7. “You seem to know a lot about this!”
Flip the script and compliment their apparent expertise, whether they deserve it or not.
Examples:
- “That’s not how you do it.” / “Wow, you seem to know a lot about this!”
- “I’ve always done it better.” / “Expert level advice, right there!”
- “That’s not how I would handle it.” / “Impressive knowledge, truly.”
8. “Let me know when you’re done.”
Simple and effective, this lets them know you won’t engage with their negativity.
Examples:
- “You really should do better.” / “Let me know when you’re done.”
- “That’s such a dumb way to do it.” / “Just tell me when you’ve finished.”
- “I don’t think you’ll succeed at that.” / “Right, let me know when the comments stop.”
9. “Sounds like a ‘you’ problem.”
This snappy reply makes it clear their remark says more about them than it does about you.
Examples:
- “That’s not how it’s supposed to be done.” / “Sounds like a ‘you’ problem.”
- “I would never do it like that.” / “That seems like a ‘you’ issue.”
- “You don’t know what you’re doing.” / “Well, that’s your problem, not mine.”
10. “I’ll survive.”
Understated and to the point, this response shrugs off their criticism as insignificant.
Examples:
- “That’s a terrible decision.” / “I’ll survive.”
- “You won’t get far with that approach.” / “I think I’ll manage.”
- “This won’t end well for you.” / “I’ll live, thanks.”
11. “Well, that’s one opinion.”
When someone is trying to impose their views, this calmly reminds them it’s just their perspective.
Examples:
- “That’s the wrong way to do it.” / “Well, that’s one opinion.”
- “You’re definitely making a mistake.” / “One opinion, noted.”
- “You really shouldn’t have done that.” / “And that’s your take.”
12. “Oh, you noticed!”
This adds a bit of playful self-deprecation to handle insults with grace.
Examples:
- “You’ve put on a bit of weight.” / “Oh, you noticed!”
- “That’s not your best look.” / “Wow, so observant!”
- “You look different today.” / “Oh, you noticed!”
13. “I’m not here to please you.”
A firm but polite way to let them know you’re not seeking their approval.
Examples:
- “I don’t like your outfit.” / “Good thing I’m not here to please you.”
- “That’s a weird way to do it.” / “Luckily, I’m not here for your approval.”
- “You shouldn’t have done that.” / “I’m not trying to impress you.”
14. “Isn’t it exhausting being so negative?”
This one calls them out on their constant negativity without being too harsh.
Examples:
- “That’s not going to work out.” / “Isn’t it exhausting being so negative?”
- “You really think that’ll succeed?” / “Wow, you must be tired from all that negativity.”
- “You’re bound to fail.” / “Doesn’t all this negativity wear you out?”
15. “I’ll file that under ‘opinions that don’t matter.'”
A bit snarky, but it gets the point across that you’re not taking them seriously.
Examples:
- “You’re doing it wrong.” / “I’ll file that under ‘opinions that don’t matter.'”
- “That was a bad move.” / “Duly noted, and filed away under irrelevant.”
- “You should have known better.” / “Filed under things that don’t matter to me.”
16. “That’s a bold statement for someone who…”
Start a sentence like this and fill in the blank with a playful jab. It takes their comment and turns it back on them.
Examples:
- “You could’ve done better.” / “That’s a bold statement for someone who forgot their keys yesterday.”
- “Your idea is terrible.” / “Bold words for someone who spilled coffee all over themselves.”
- “That’s a weird choice.” / “A bold statement for someone who wore mismatched socks.”
17. “Wow, you’re really invested in this!”
Pointing out their over-involvement can make them realize how petty they’re being.
Examples:
- “That’s not your best work.” / “Wow, you’re really invested in this!”
- “I wouldn’t bother trying that.” / “You’re quite invested, aren’t you?”
- “You don’t seem to get it.” / “Well, aren’t you dedicated!”
18. “You must be fun at parties.”
A lighthearted yet pointed way to suggest they’re not bringing the right energy.
Examples:
- “That’s such a dumb idea.” / “You must be fun at parties.”
- “I’d never wear that.” / “You’re a real joy at social events, huh?”
- “That’ll never work out.” / “Remind me to invite you to the next party!”
19. “I didn’t realize you were keeping track.”
For people who always seem to point out your mistakes, this lets them know how ridiculous they’re being.
Examples:
- “You’ve messed up before, too.” / “Oh, I didn’t realize you were keeping track.”
- “You’re always doing it wrong.” / “Didn’t know you were tallying these things!”
- “That’s not the first time.” / “Wow, keeping track of everything, huh?”
20. “I admire your dedication to pettiness.”
This sarcastic compliment acknowledges their pettiness with a bit of flair.
Examples:
- “You can’t even do this right.” / “I admire your dedication to pettiness.”
- “That’s such a ridiculous choice.” / “Petty and proud, I see!”
- “You’re really bad at this.” / “Impressive commitment to being petty.”
21. “Can I borrow your crystal ball?”
For remarks where they assume to know the outcome, this comeback is perfect.
Examples:
- “That’s not going to work.” / “Oh, can I borrow your crystal ball?”
- “You’ll fail for sure.” / “I’d love a turn with that crystal ball of yours!”
- “This is a bad idea.” / “Your crystal ball is working overtime, huh?”
22. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
When someone criticizes you, this response takes their insult and makes it a positive.
Examples:
- “You’re too quirky.” / “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
- “You always overthink everything.” / “Thanks, I’ll take that as a compliment.”
- “You care too much about details.” / “Oh, that’s what makes me awesome!”
23. “Are you auditioning for a reality show?”
This playful remark pokes fun at their dramatic behavior.
Examples:
- “That’s just embarrassing.” / “Are you auditioning for a reality show?”
- “You’re way off base with that idea.” / “Are cameras following you around?”
- “I can’t believe you’d try that.” / “Which reality show are you aiming for?”
24. “It must be exhausting living in your head.”
When someone’s overly critical, this response points out how exhausting it must be to live with so much negativity.
Examples:
- “That’s a really bad idea.” / “It must be exhausting living in your head.”
- “You’ve made a huge mistake.” / “That head of yours must be exhausting.”
- “You’re going to regret that.” / “I’m tired just thinking about all your negativity.”
25. “I guess I should care… but I don’t.”
A straightforward response that clearly tells them you’re not bothered by their remarks.
Examples:
- “That’s a stupid choice.” / “I guess I should care… but I don’t.”
- “You really don’t know what you’re doing.” / “I’m supposed to care, but I don’t.”
- “You’ll regret that later.” / “Eh, I don’t really care.”
Conclusion
Dealing with catty remarks doesn’t mean you have to get nasty in return. With these clever responses, you can handle any snide comment with grace and a touch of humor. The next time someone throws shade, you’ll be ready to throw it right back—without losing your cool!
𝐈’𝐦 Poppy Snow 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 “𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬 ” 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐫. 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬. 𝐈 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞. 𝐀𝐭 “𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬” 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐝𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐫.
Gracie Mae