35 Subtle Insults Shared By Redditors That Are So Devastating You Might Just Win Your Next Imaginary Argument

"Anyone else here to step up their game for shower arguments?"

Chelsi

• Published in Interesting
• June 3, 2023

Unlike overt insults, subtle insults operate in the realm of ambiguity and hidden meanings. They often involve skillful manipulation of language and nonverbal cues to undermine or belittle others without appearing offensive.

This cunning approach can make subtle insults highly effective in achieving their desired outcomes while maintaining a facade of innocence. These veiled jabs, delivered through subtle gestures, comments, or tones, can profoundly impact the desired target.

If delivered correctly, these subtle insults can even be taken as compliments or, at the very least, become head-scratchers. It should leave the other person doubtful of the intent of the message.

Imagine these subtle insults delivered by the sweetest grandmother with a Southern accent, and you're golden. Picture a Blanche Devereaux-type if you want a clear image, although she would never admit to being a grandmother.

You can be absolutely devastating if you use Reddit's top subtle insults in your next imaginary argument. Someone asked the r/AskReddit community to share their "favorite insult that doesn't sound like an insult," and the answers did not disappoint!

Since direct insults are considered uncouth in most situations, these underhanded versions will serve their purpose. They might just be more effective when it comes to delivering the desired effect and will take the other person a few moments to realize just how offended they should be.

1. On the surface, it comes across as a compliment

2. For years I thought this was just a nonsensical answer to a social nicety

3. In other words, you are impossible to underestimate

4. It's like an inside joke with yourself

5. Doubting every job performance review in 3, 2, 1...

6. If they get offended, then they know they were behaving like jerks

7. Mighty average

8. You have a flour-like personality

9. If you are not familiar with Jewish culture, then this would really sound like a compliment

10. A painful and expensive insult

11. It's akin to being told that you look pretty these days

12. You should listen to your gut more

13. At least you've got that going for you

14. How many infuriating people do you have in your life to come up with this?

15. For unsolicited opinions: It's worth every penny I spent

16. Professionals who are well-versed in HR speak are the best at these plausibly deniable insults

17. The Southern accent masks the blow

18. Me to fast fashion

19. Squidward to SpongeBob

20. You're kind of admitting you are a terrible person but you are at least better than the one you are talking to

21. For the students nearing their big exams

22. At least you made friends

23. Now, now, being civil is not so difficult, is it?

24. "You look like you are easy to draw" is top-tier

25. Try this phrase instead of saying "I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you"

26. Definitely an insult in the right circumstances

27. Can't wait to use this in an email

28. It will be too late by the time you realize it was an insult

29. Not so subtle but it's gold

30. It's like when someone says you make everyone work harder

31. You will increase the average IQ when you migrate

32. It's a definite two-for-one

33. I can't recommend them highly enough

34. Grandma will at least cushion the blow with homemade cookies

35. It's an encouragement and an insult!

Straightforward insults can land you in hot water, but these subtle insults are not so obviously offensive. They hit just as hard if not more, to be honest.

Delivered in the right tone and the subject might never figure out you were insulting them in the first place. Insulting someone and getting away with it is the ultimate win, anyway.

Chelsi