We’ve all dealt with arrogant people who think they’re God’s gift to the world.
They talk down to you, dismiss your opinions, and act like they’re the smartest person in the room. It’s infuriating, and it can be tempting to just walk away and let them wallow in their own self-importance. But sometimes, you need to put them in their place with a well-timed comeback. Here are 16 devastating lines that will shut down even the most egotistical windbag.
1. “I’d agree with you, but then we’d both be wrong.”
This comeback is a classic for a reason. It’s a simple, straightforward way to call out someone’s faulty logic or misguided opinion. By turning their own words against them, you’re exposing the flaw in their argument and making it clear that you’re not going to be swayed by their arrogance. It’s a subtle way of saying, “you’re not as smart as you think you are” without resorting to personal attacks or insults.
2. “I’m not arguing, I’m just explaining why I’m right.”
Source: Unsplash Arrogant people often have a way of turning every conversation into a debate, even when there’s no real disagreement. They’ll argue for the sake of arguing, just to prove how clever they are. This comeback is a way of calling out that behaviour and putting them in their place. By framing your opinion as a simple explanation rather than an argument, you’re refusing to engage with their ego and making it clear that you’re not interested in a pointless back-and-forth.
3. “I don’t know what your problem is, but I’m guessing it’s hard to pronounce.”
Source: Unsplash This comeback is a bit more aggressive, but it’s perfect for dealing with someone who’s being deliberately difficult or confrontational. By suggesting that their problem is some kind of obscure, unpronounceable condition, you’re implying that they’re not just arrogant, but also deeply troubled in a way that’s beyond your understanding. It’s a way of dismissing them as a lost cause and moving on with your day.
4. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realise you were an expert on my life.”
Source: Unsplash Arrogant people often feel entitled to give unsolicited advice or opinions on other people’s choices and experiences. This comeback is a way of shutting that down and reminding them that they don’t know everything. By sarcastically apologising and calling them an “expert,” you’re making it clear that their input is not welcome or appreciated. It’s a polite way of saying “mind your own business” without stooping to their level.
5. “I’m not interested in competing with you. I hope you find peace in being you.”
Source: Unsplash This comeback is a bit more zen, but it’s incredibly effective at diffusing an arrogant person’s ego. By refusing to engage in their one-upmanship and wishing them well on their personal journey, you’re sending the message that you’re secure in yourself and don’t need to prove anything. It’s a way of taking the high road and leaving them to stew in their own insecurities.
6. “I’m sorry, I can’t hear you over the sound of how amazing I am.”
Source: Unsplash Sometimes, the best way to deal with an arrogant person is to beat them at their own game. This comeback is a playful way of turning their own ego against them and reminding them that they’re not the only one who can blow their own trumpet. By exaggerating your own awesomeness, you’re making it clear that you’re not intimidated by their bluster and that you have just as much right to be confident as they do.
7. “I’d insult you back, but nature did a better job.”
Source: Unsplash This comeback is a bit harsh, but it’s perfect for dealing with someone who’s being deliberately cruel or insulting, even if it is a bit childish (and yes, it is). By suggesting that their own nature is insult enough, you’re turning their negativity back on them and exposing the ugliness behind their arrogance. It’s a way of saying “you’re not clever, you’re just mean” and refusing to stoop to their level of personal attacks.
8. “I’m not saying I hate you, but I would unplug your life support to charge my phone.”
Source: Unsplash This comeback is a bit dark, and you should only ever say this to someone you actually DO like and know very well (so they get the humour in it), but it’s a powerful way of expressing just how little you think of someone’s opinion or behaviour. By suggesting that you’d sacrifice their life for a bit of convenience, you’re making it clear that they’re not just annoying, but actively detrimental to your well-being. It’s a way of saying “your existence is a burden” without actually wishing them harm.
9. “I’m busy right now, can I ignore you another time?”
Arrogant people often demand attention and validation from others, even when it’s not welcome or appropriate. This comeback is a polite way of brushing them off and making it clear that you have better things to do than stroke their ego. By framing it as a request to ignore them later, you’re also implying that their behaviour is so predictable and tiresome that you can plan your avoidance in advance.
10. “I’m not mad. I’m just not wasting any more energy on you.”
This comeback is a way of disengaging from an arrogant person’s drama and refusing to let them get under your skin. By stating that you’re not mad, just disinterested, you’re sending the message that their behaviour is beneath your concern and that you’re not going to give them the satisfaction of a reaction. It’s a way of taking back your power and refusing to be baited into an argument.
11. “I’m sorry, I didn’t order a glass of your opinion.”
Arrogant people often feel entitled to share their thoughts and judgments on everything, even when no one asked. This comeback is a clever way of shutting down their unsolicited advice and reminding them that their opinion is not as valuable as they think. By framing it as a drink order, you’re also implying that their words are empty and intoxicating, rather than substantive or helpful.
12. “I’m not interested in your drama, I’m too busy writing my own life story.”
Source: Unsplash This comeback is a way of rising above an arrogant person’s pettiness and focusing on your own goals and aspirations. By framing your life as a story that you’re actively writing, you’re sending the message that you’re in control of your own narrative and that their opinions and judgments are just background noise. It’s a way of saying, “I have better things to do than engage with your nonsense” without getting dragged into an argument.
13. “I’m sorry, I don’t speak ‘arrogant’.”
Source: Unsplash This comeback is a playful way of calling out an arrogant person’s behaviour and refusing to engage with their inflated sense of self-importance. By suggesting that their words are a foreign language that you don’t understand, you’re implying that their attitude is so alien and off-putting that it’s beyond your comprehension. It’s a way of saying “you’re not making sense” and “I don’t relate to your worldview” in one clever quip.
14. “I’m sure you’re great at parties, as long as no one else shows up.”
Source: Unsplash This comeback is a subtle way of pointing out an arrogant person’s lack of social skills and self-awareness. By suggesting that they’re only fun when they’re alone, you’re implying that their behaviour is so grating and off-putting that no one else can stand to be around them. It’s a way of saying “you’re not as charming as you think you are” and “people don’t actually enjoy your company” without being overtly insulting.
15. “I’m not saying you’re stupid, but you’d make a great case study for it.”
This comeback is a clever way of calling out an arrogant person’s lack of intelligence or common sense. By suggesting that they’d be a good subject for a study on stupidity, you’re implying that their behaviour is so irrational and foolish that it’s worthy of scientific inquiry. It’s a way of saying “you’re not just arrogant, you’re also kind of dumb” without resorting to name-calling or personal attacks.
16. “I’m sure you believe what you’re saying, but that doesn’t make it true.”
Source: Unsplash This comeback is a way of acknowledging an arrogant person’s conviction while still challenging the validity of their claims. By separating their beliefs from objective reality, you’re suggesting that their opinions are based more on ego than evidence. It’s a way of saying “you’re entitled to your own views, but that doesn’t mean they’re right” and refusing to be swayed by their confidence alone.
