Some people just love cracking “jokes” at others’ expense.
They think they’re being “funny,” but in reality, they’re just being mean. Only certain types of people think it’s hilarious to make those around them feel bad about themselves — these are the ones who are guilty of this type of behaviour more often than not. If it happens to you — or you see them doing it to someone else — here’s what to do.
1. The workplace jester needs a new routine.
They turn every meeting into an impromptu comedy show, usually at someone’s expense. You’ll find them delivering zingers about your presentation style or that time you spilled coffee three months ago. A simple “Hey, we already covered that one” with a neutral expression helps them realize their greatest hits aren’t charting anymore. Bonus points for redirecting their creative energy into actually funny topics that don’t target anyone.
2. The social media sniper strikes from behind screens.
These folks save their boldest mockery for online spaces, dropping snarky comments like they’re feeding pigeons in the park. They’re surprisingly quiet in person, though. Responding with genuine questions about their comments often makes them squirm — there’s nothing quite like asking someone to explain why their mean joke is supposed to be funny. Watch how quickly they switch to posting cat videos instead.
3. The backhanded compliment champion.
Masters of the “Oh, you’re so brave to wear that” genre of comments. They’ve elevated passive-aggressive remarks to an art form. Responding with excessive enthusiasm throws them off balance — “Thanks for noticing my brave fashion choices! I’ll take that as a compliment.” Their confused expression when their snark doesn’t land is priceless. Sometimes playing dumb to their subtle digs is the smartest move.
4. The nostalgia ninja brings up ancient history.
They have an encyclopedic memory for your most embarrassing moments from years ago. Every gathering becomes a greatest hits compilation of your past blunders. Adding to their stories with even more ridiculous details sometimes helps — “Actually, I wasn’t just wearing mismatched socks that day, I was also juggling flamingos.” Making it absurd takes away their power to embarrass.
5. The constant critic has opinions about everything.
From your lunch choices to your life decisions, they’ve got commentary locked and loaded. Meeting their criticism with cheerful indifference works wonders. When they question your choice to eat leftovers, responding with “Yep, and it’s delicious!” while taking another bite can be surprisingly effective. Their power diminishes when you own your choices without defensiveness.
6. The professional put-down artist.
They’ve turned mockery into a career strategy, using humour to climb the corporate ladder. Every idea gets a sarcastic response, every project a cutting remark. Maintaining your professionalism while documenting their behaviour creates a paper trail they can’t joke their way out of. Sometimes the best response is letting them perform for an audience that isn’t laughing.
7. The group approval seeker.
These folks change their mockery style based on their audience, always playing to the crowd. One-on-one they might be perfectly pleasant, but get them in a group, and suddenly, they’re auditioning for a comedy special at your expense. Breaking the group dynamic by having private conversations about their behaviour often reveals a person who just wants to belong.
8. The stress ball bouncer.
When they’re stressed, everyone becomes a target for their tension-relieving mockery. You can almost track their anxiety levels by how many jabs they throw. Suggesting a walk or coffee break sometimes helps them find better ways to deal with pressure. Remember that their comments say more about their stress management skills than about you.
9. The competitive comic.
Every interaction becomes a contest, and mockery is their weapon of choice. They especially target people they see as threats to their position or popularity. Treating their comments like the insecurity signals they are helps maintain perspective. Success becomes your best comeback as their jokes reveal their own fears.
10. The accidental assailant needs awareness training.
Some people genuinely don’t realize their “jokes” land like tiny verbal daggers. They grew up in environments where mockery was normal communication. Sometimes a gentle “ouch” with a raised eyebrow helps them recognize their impact. These folks often become allies once they understand how their words affect other people.
11. The attention director uses other people as deflection.
When they feel uncomfortable or spot incoming criticism, they quickly point out everyone else’s flaws to redirect attention. They’re quick with a “Well, at least I didn’t…” comment to shift focus. Refusing to engage with their deflection tactics and bringing the conversation back to the original point helps maintain focus. Their redirection attempts become obvious once you know their pattern.
12. The boundary explorer tests the waters.
They start with small jabs to see what they can get away with, like scientists testing hypotheses about human patience. Setting clear limits early saves everyone time and energy. A simple “That doesn’t work for me” delivered with a calm smile often stops their experiments before they escalate. Consider it a public service — you’re helping them update their social research methods.
