Download Article
Download Article
Picture this: you’re out with friends, hanging with your crush, or maybe in the hallway at school face-to-face with someone you can’t stand. You say something, they respond “Shut up!” and everyone looks at you to see what happens next. What will your comeback be? We’ve all been there. Being told to shut up happens for all kinds of reasons, and it’s nerve-wracking to come up with a reply on the spot. We’ve put together a list of comebacks for “shut up” for every situation—whether you’re saying it to a friend, bully, sibling, or crush. Keep reading to find the perfect comeback for you!
Things You Should Know
- Simple, snappy comebacks are great: “You first,” “Make me,” and “No” can catch people off-guard and show them they can’t push you around.
- Funny comebacks can be great for friends, siblings, and bullies. “Are you gonna cry if I don’t?” and “What are you? 5 years old?” can disarm people quickly.
- Comebacks like “Make me” and “Ha ha ha” can be flirty since they provoke a response.
- Laughing or ignoring people can be great power moves, since they show that you’re not easily intimidated.
Steps
Community Q&A
-
QuestionWhy are people so rude nowadays?Charlotte KennedyCommunity Answer"Bitterness is the language of the insecure." They may be mean because there's something going on with them that you don't know about. Even if that's the case, that's no reason to be mean. In return, be nice to them. Once they see that their words or actions don't affect you, they'll hurt you less and less. Even if you don't feel like being nice, try it!
-
QuestionTell me a sassy comeback.Moriah WoodCommunity Answer"I don't shut up. I grow up. And when I look at you, I throw up."
-
QuestionGive me a comeback for people to get their jaws dropped.rayconshopCommunity Answer"Oh, I see you've set aside this special time to humiliate yourself in public." This line delivers a strong message with a touch of sarcasm, making it memorable and impactful.
Video
Tips
References
- ↑ https://www.scienceofpeople.com/rude-people/
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-respond-to-rude-or-inappropriate-remarks
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-art-of-a-heartfelt-apology-2021041322366
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2020/07/sarcasm-self-deprecation-and-inside-jokes-a-users-guide-to-humor-at-work
About This Article
Being told to shut up is frustrating, but it feels great to turn it around with a snappy comeback. Let them know they can’t shut you down with a short and simple retort, like “You first,” “Make me!” or a deadpan “No.” You can also call them out on their immaturity with something like, “What are you, 5 years old?” or “Wow, you’re cranky. Looks like someone missed nap time.” If you’d rather not sink to their level, try calmly saying, “Don’t tell me to shut up,” or “That’s not an acceptable way to talk to me.” If you want to really throw them off guard, try something non-confrontational, like “I think there’s been a misunderstanding. Can we start over?”
