Is there anything more obnoxious than someone who talks to you like you’re an idiot, especially when, in all likelihood, you’re smarter than they are?
While it’s tempting to lash out and give the person a piece of your mind, it’s usually better to be the bigger person (sigh!) and not show yourself up by telling them exactly what you think of them. Instead, here are some things you can say when someone insults your intelligence that still allow you to take the high road.
1. “This is a reflection of you, not me.”
When someone insults your intelligence, it’s usually a reflection of their own insecurities. Pointing this out in a calm manner puts the focus back on their behaviour. It also encourages a little self-reflection and might just make them think twice before belittling someone else.
2. “I’m comfortable with who I am, are you?”
This flips the insult on its head, showing that you’re self-assured. By questioning their confidence, you’re subtly highlighting that secure people don’t feel the need to bring other people down. It’s a strong yet subtle way to call out their behaviour without getting confrontational.
3. “I’m still learning and growing every day.”
Acknowledging that you’re still evolving shows you’ve got a growth mindset. It subtly implies that they could benefit from one too. By framing yourself as a work in progress, you show wisdom and maturity, which might leave them thinking about their own journey—or lack of one.
4. “Your opinion of me doesn’t define who I am.”
This is a strong boundary-setting line. You’re calmly letting them know that what they think of you doesn’t affect how you see yourself. It’s a great way to shut down their negativity while making it clear that their attempts to belittle you aren’t hitting the mark.
5. “I’d be upset too if I felt the need to insult people all the time.”
This cuts through their behaviour with empathy. You’re calling them out while also suggesting that their insults come from their own unhappiness. It might even open up a more constructive dialogue—if you’re interested in exploring why they’re acting this way, that is.
6. “Thank you for the feedback, I’ll give it the consideration it deserves.”
This is the perfect professional response, combining politeness with a bit of sarcasm. You’re acknowledging their comment but making it clear that you won’t be dwelling on it. It’s a great way to stay composed and keep your cool in a work setting.
7. “I’m sorry you feel that way about me.”
By expressing sympathy, you’re keeping the high ground while subtly letting them know their opinion is their issue, not yours. It’s a short and sweet way to disengage from negativity without fuelling the fire.
8. “Intelligence comes in many forms, doesn’t it?”
Source: Unsplash This response broadens the conversation and challenges their narrow view of intelligence. It’s a reminder that there’s more than one way to be smart, which can shift the conversation to a more thoughtful discussion about different strengths. (Of course, no one would blame you if you didn’t want to keep talking to them!)
9. “I appreciate your perspective, even if I disagree with it.”
Source: Unsplash Responding with politeness when faced with rudeness can throw them off. You’re acknowledging that they’re entitled to their opinion, but calmly letting them know it doesn’t align with yours. It often leaves them unsure how to respond, effectively defusing the situation.
10. “That’s an interesting way to try to make yourself feel better.”
By pointing out their motives, you’re calling them out directly. You’re essentially saying, “I see through what you’re doing,” without raising your voice. It’s a bold way to let them know you won’t be manipulated by their tactics.
11. “I’m curious, what made you want to say that?”
Responding with curiosity can really catch them off guard. By asking them to reflect on why they said what they did, you’re inviting them to think about their own behaviour. It often leads to an awkward pause or, if they’re reflective enough, an apology.
12. “I’ve been called worse by better.”
This witty comeback shows that their insult doesn’t faze you in the slightest. It’s a light-hearted way of saying you’ve dealt with worse and won’t be taking their comment seriously. A smirk while saying this can drive the point home even more.
13. “Your words say more about your character than my intelligence.”
Here, you’re turning the insult back on them. By pointing out that their words are a reflection of their behaviour, you’re making them think twice about continuing to belittle you. It’s a classy way to call out their bad manners without getting aggressive.
14. “I’m focusing on my growth, not your judgement.”
This shows you’re on a path of self-improvement and aren’t going to let their judgement knock you off course. It’s a positive and forward-looking response that might even make them feel small for trying to bring you down.
15. “Let’s agree to disagree about my capabilities.”
This is the classic way to politely end a conversation you have no interest in continuing. You’re acknowledging the difference in opinion without conceding. It’s a great way to keep things civil while moving on from the negativity.
16. “I’m confident in my abilities, but thanks for your input.”
This response balances self-assurance with a touch of sarcasm. You’re politely letting them know that you’re not taking their insult seriously, and you’re doing so without being openly confrontational. It’s a way of asserting yourself without escalating things.
17. “We all have room for improvement, don’t we?”
This turns the tables by subtly including them in the statement. You’re reminding them that everyone has flaws, and perhaps they could benefit from looking at their own. It’s a clever way to challenge their superiority without being too direct.
