dublczek

Is there such a thing as an acceptable insult to a poster?

I was so long writing my answer that I never got around to reading the post. (apologies to Graucho Marx)

From the beginning of your post to the end, I was convulsed with laughter. Some day I intend reading it. (apologies to Graucho Marx)

Thou whoreson zed! thou unnecessary letter! - King Lear -

He has occasional flashes of silence, that make his conversation perfectly delightful. - Sydney Smith -

There is less in this than meets the eye. - Tallulah Bankhead -

If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: `He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned'. - Epictetus -

We were as nearly bored as enthusiasm would permit. - Edmund Gosse -

'Tis hard to say, if greater want of skill
Appear in writing or in judging ill.

Damn with faint praise, assent with civil leer,
And, without sneering, teach the rest to sneer.
- Alexander Pope -

It had only one fault. It was kind of lousy. - James Thurber -

A pious man is one who would be an atheist if the king were. - Jean de La Bruyère -

JUDGE WILLIS: You are extremely offensive, young man.
F. E. SMITH: As a matter of fact, we both are, and the only difference between us is that I am trying to be, and you can't help it.

fatherphil

my favorite:
"people who talk in metaphores can shampoo my crotch" melvin udal

but i don't think insults, no matter how clever, are ever appropriate. i try to only trade them amongst friends.

Opera Nut

To an odious acquaintance: "I'm going to memorize your face, and throw my head away." -- Oscar Levant, famous comedian, pianist, and all round smartass.

enrious

Political exchange:

#1) You sir should die by the gallows or the plague.

#2) That is dependand entirely upon whether I embrace your politics or your mistress.

Viti

Well, to some people (like me) insults are a favored form of communication. All of my family and friends are smartasses and I wouldn't have it any other way.

ieyeasu

"I'd engage you in a battle of wits, sir; but I make it a point of my morality not to slaughter the unarmed."

Defiant Heretic

It's the same with my friends, Shea. One of them explained it, "True friends are those whom you can insult, and they'll just insult you right back instead of taking offense." (paraphrased). As long as people know you're joking, it's all just fine.

ieyeasu: :notworthy Did you think of that yourself, or is it a quote?

ieyeasu

Got it from my Father, actually. Of course, he probably copped it from somewhere.

fatherphil

i know in my social interactions i only insult folks i actually like. strangers or enemies i treat with proper politeness.

Defiant Heretic

Could you ask him if it's not too much trouble? I'm probably going to use that sometime, and I want to be sure I credit the source. Thanks.