The Clapback Existed Long Before Social Media

Here are 11 Examples (and Pro Tips)

The Art of the Clapback

Clapping back is the act of (or art of, depending) responding to criticism, insults, or any other form of attack or rudeness by putting someone in their place, online and in real life. How do you do that? With a 'clapback': a witty, targeted reply that establishes a boundary and shuts the conversation—and the negativity—down. (Previously known as a 'burn.') Below are some current and historical examples, plus a few pro tips.

J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, and Chrissy Teigen are all known for their clapbacks on social media and in interviews. Here's an example:

Why it's brilliant: 1) She has a valid point. And 2) She targeted what she needed to and stopped...the clapback isn't about being mean or launching a war, it's about cleverly and effectively standing up for yourself.

When to Clap Back

Most of the time, clapping back is a defensive move in response to someone overstepping or being rude. It can be an offensive move in response to a general situation, but it's best used sparingly so it retains its effectiveness. So, when do you clap back?

1. When someone insults your intelligence.
2. When someone passive-aggressively judges you for having something, especially if you worked hard for it, i.e. a private jet.
3. When someone projects their unwelcome beauty or body standards onto you.
4. When someone goes too far with sarcasm and hurts your feelings.
5. When someone tries to suck you into drama that’s not yours.
6. When someone oversteps their bounds in your other relationships.
7. When you're being bullied or trolled.
8. When you want to end a round of sibling rivalry.
9. When you want to end a workplace rivalry.
10. When someone does any of the above to your kids. (Hello, mama bear.)

More Examples: 10 of the Best Historical Clapbacks

James Joyce

Oscar Wilde

James McNeill Whistler

Winston Churchill

Ilka Chase

Calvin Coolidge

Mohandas Gandhi

Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln, after being called 'two-faced': "If I had two faces, do you think I'd be wearing this one?"

Mozart

Pope John XXIII

Pope John, when asked "How many people work in the Vatican?": "About half."

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Read more by Beth Clark