How to Respond to Sarcasm

Co-authored by Seth Hall

Last Updated: March 23, 2024

Today we'll discuss the economical and religious importance regarding sarcasm. Working as a team, we'll dissect the way sarcasm is used, how to respond to it, and how to impress your co-workers with your sharp replies so they'll stop avoiding you at office parties.

Steps

Download Article

1
Stop, Process. Immediately following the application of the device "sarcasm", take a second to decide why it was used. Was it used for humor, insult, or a dorky way for history teachers to connect to their rad students? Follow these tips to help decide:
- Humor: Was the quip used quickly in a light setting? Was it followed by a smile and a longing look of approval? If so- it was probably intended humorously.
- Insult: Was the situation heated before the comment? Did the statement contain hurtful material? Perhaps regarding someone's recent weight gain? If any of this applies, you've probably just been dissed.
- Reaching out to youth: In more cases than necessary, sarcasm is used as a foolish ploy to gain youth attraction. This is usually initiated in forms of awkwardness anchored with puns and other word play. Characteristics include the phrases "Uh-duh!", "NOT!", and the topical application of "uh-WINNING!".
Regardless of choice, the most important thing is to reply quickly. Any dawdling will immediately become a sign of weakness, showing limited exercise of your sarcasm muscles. A quick response ensures a hearty comeback. (On a special note, the faster you reply, the less creative your comeback has to be).^{[1]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
Will you crush your competitor with a sassy comment about her birkenstocks or simply outwit your friend with a humorous quote. Things to keep in mind while replying to sarcasm would be found in the following steps:^{[2]
X
Trustworthy Source

HelpGuide
Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources.

Go to source}
4
Do's:^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Reply fast.
- Use previous knowledge on opposite.
- Exploit their weaknesses, mainly their weird eye tick.
5
Don'ts:^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Cry (anywhere besides a Meg Ryan rom-com, crying is unnecessary).
- Use commonly used sarcastic replies (see Reaching out to youth).
- Back down, once a comment is said, it's out there. Don't go back, man.
6
Disarm them. Sarcasm loses its edge when you respond properly. Try one of the following:
- Correct them. Explain the facts clearly and calmly. This response has the bonus that it can be combined with the laughter of step 3. But be prepared that the sarcastic won't care for your explanations since he or she is not on a lookout for justice.
- Ignore it. They won't use sarcasm if they don't see any effect. Either pretend you didn't understand, or continue with the conversation. But your price for peace here is sleepless nights (one or more) when you're kept awake with regret and contempt.
- Agree. Be sarcastic about their sarcasm. Be careful, however, as this can extend into a game of wits and the most sarcastic person walks away the winner, often leaving misunderstandings in its wake.
A person who can only respond with sarcasm probably isn't worth listening to. But walking away leaves the sarcastic person pleased with his win and you emotionally devastated.^{[5]
X
Research source}

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Why not just act as though the sarcastic person actually meant what they said when they were trying to be sarcastic?

Community Answer

If you want, doing that could make them self aware and limit the sarcastic comments.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 29
Question

What should be the reply of the question, "Is this supposed to be sarcastic?"

Community Answer

Reply with sarcasm. "No, it's obviously not supposed to be sarcastic" or, "No, it's obviously supposed to be dead serious." The only way to meet sarcasm is by supplying your own sarcasm. That is the only way someone else will back down.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 13 Helpful 22
Question

What if someone says "Oh, sure" to me?

Mati_Gio

Community Answer

If they are sarcastic, try to understand why they don’t truly mean “yes I agree” and have a civil discussion about it. If it’s about something futile, say a nice comeback, such as “okay then” or “thanks for your approval boss”. It they are serious then, just go ahead and do it!

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 12 Helpful 7

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

If they're insulting you, pretending not to get the sarcasm is a great way to annoy them.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Sometimes sarcasm is confused with quick wit.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Sometimes the best comeback is to roll your eyes and walk away.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Show More Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Don't brood on a comment you ignore. Deal with the comment if it crosses the line of acceptability, or it could snowball into a bigger problem.

Thanks
Helpful 81 Not Helpful 17