These are the best insults you can give (while remaining a gentleman…)

Caught in a quarrel? You can still win without sacrificing sophistication — with insults from Winston Churchill, Stephen Hawking and Oscar Wilde...

Before you get your backs up; we know — arguing of any kind can’t really be considered gentlemanly. But, although you may not like it, these conflicts and confrontations should be a part of your daily life. If they’re not, then you’re living life too safely. After all, a couple of ruffled feathers prove that you’re making an impression.

And, so long as you’re not initiating these sparring sessions, it still pays to have a couple of barbed and well-chosen retorts in your back pocket. This way, you can shut down any argument as quickly — and quietly — as possible. So have a read, and commit a couple of these civilised slights and snubs to memory. You’ll thank us later.

best insults

I do not consider you a vulture. I consider you something a vulture would eat

best insults

People clap when they see you. They clap their hands over their eyes

best insults

You are proof that God has a sense of humour

best insults

If I throw a stick, will you leave?

best insults

A sharp tongue is no indication of a keen mind

best insults

In the land of the witless, you would be king

best insults

I’d prefer a battle of wits, but you appear unarmed

best insults

I regard you with an indifference bordering on aversion

best insults

You sir, are the reason god created the middle finger

best insults

Sometimes I need what only you can provide, your absence

best insults

Your inferiority complex is fully justified

best insults

You have delusions of adequacy

best insults

I’ve been called worse things by better people

best insults

I would agree with you, but then we would both be wrong

best insults

I like the way you try

best insults

It is impossible to underestimate you

best insults

I’m jealous of all the people who haven’t met you

best insults

Isn’t it rather dangerous to use one’s entire vocabulary in a single sentence?

best insults

The fact that nobody understands you doesn’t make you an artist

best insults

I like your approach. Now let’s see your departure…

Want more etiquette advice? Here are 10 scientific ways to be more attractive to women…,

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