Q&A for How to Trash Talk

If someone tells you that you are ugly, simply say "Yeah, we have something in common," because it will show them that you're not offended and that they have no power over you. And you're also calling them ugly right back.

Think of something different, happier to get your mind off of crying. You could also come up with a exit strategy to get out of there before you start crying.

You can't do anything about your genes. If kids poke fun at you for your size, it's a reflection of the smallness of their thinking. You can let them know that you'd rather have a small body than a small mind.

It really depends on the person you're insulting. If you know the person at all, try to figure out what they're insecure about and use that in your insult. For example, if they get bad grades, insult their intelligence. If they're short or overweight, say something about their appearance.

Make fun of how dumb they are, or just be satisfied with the fact that they're clearly intimidated by your intelligence and walk away.

Just believe in yourself, feel confident and say it.

Try to calm down and stay that way. Just ignore him or her, but you can also be nice and stop the fight.

If you hurt someone, you should sincerely apologize and stop trash talking immediately.

Everyone is such a big word. There are 8 billion people here, so you're saying that 8 billion minus one (you) are against you; that seems unlikely. Make a list of people who are not prejudiced against you and spend time developing those friendships.

This may not be for you. Don't start what you can't finish. To trash talk requires the confidence to deliver your insults with eloquence and strength. Crying is not really part of that. But there's no need to compare the strength of your insult to theirs, and in any case, it's only worse if you agree it's worse. If you say "That's all you've got?", then just having said that diminishes their insult. In the end, it's always best to avoid these situations.

Don't slap someone. If you feel like you're getting upset, just tell the person that they're not worth your time and walk away. Violence is never the answer, and it can get you in a lot of trouble.

If they have a soul that is so ugly as to trash talk, then they're not better than you! Remind yourself that beauty comes from within, and that there's no standard as to whether you're good or not. It might get annoying or upsetting that someone says such things about you, but remember that not everyone is kind or caring, because this is not a perfect world.

Talking about your grades is not okay. Your grades should be private, and only three ideal people should know what your grades are: you, your teacher(s), and your parents. Do not let them get hold of your grades. For now, it's fine to tell a teacher, as this is considered bullying and is not tolerated at any school.

No. That is considered revenge, and revenge is never rational. If it is pointed toward you, tell them with confidence that they need to stop and show respect toward others. Virtues are important, and it helps you be the better person to not stoop to the same level.

Assuming this is all in good humor, anything goes. You just toughen up, sit it out, and while they're talking, think of solid comebacks. Never take anything they say to heart; it's just trash talk. You can also keep one secret in mind and think "They may be making fun of my height, but at least they don't know about [insert secret here]." Extending on that, you could draw their focus on one thing to move it away from another: "Just please don't make jokes about my height" is an excellent way to make sure they'll make fun of exactly that, when you're wearing silly shoes they could make fun of, for example.

The best response may well be to not respond at all. Sure, it can be hurtful, but honestly, why would you care what someone you're not friends with thinks of you? There are 8 billion people, most of whom are not your friends; it's far too exhausting to try and please them all, or reply to them all. So let random kids do what they like, get on with your own life and the things you're doing. Let insults slide off you like water off a duck's back.

It doesn't matter what you're called, it matters what you answer to. If someone calls you stupid, ignore them.

First, don't believe anything bad someone says about you. You are amazing just the way you are and that bully is probably insecure and/or jealous of you. Also, stick up for yourself! Say something cool like "I may be smaller than you, but at least I don't have an ugly personality". By showing them that their words don't get to you, you automatically are cooler than them. If it continues or gets worse, seek an adult, counselor, therapist, or someone you can look up to. You deserve nothing but kindness and respect.

It really depends on what he says, but make sure you don't let it get to you. If it's something goofy, insult him back playfully (without being harsh). If it's something that's a little hurtful, be mature and say something that gets inside of his head. He'll expect you to feel and act hurt but don't fall for it. Instead, say something like "and what about it? that's just your opinion." or "thanks, you're actually really funny" (sarcastically).