Being called “trash” can be hurtful, and how you respond can depend on the context and your relationship with the person.
If you want to keep it light-hearted or assert your boundaries, these responses offer a range of options to address the insult with confidence or humor.
What To Say When Someone Calls You Trash
1. “I guess I’m just recycling old complaints.”
Story: Turning the insult into a playful comment about recycling.
When to use: When you want to keep things light and humorous.
When not to use: If you’re looking for a serious resolution.
Example: “I guess I’m just recycling old complaints.”
2. “Funny, I thought trash was supposed to be taken out. Guess I’m staying.”
Story: Using humor to suggest that their insult isn’t going to affect you.
When to use: When you want to deflect the insult with a joke.
When not to use: If you prefer to address the insult more seriously.
Example: “Funny, I thought trash was supposed to be taken out. Guess I’m staying.”
3. “I’d rather be trash than someone who resorts to name-calling.”
Story: Deflecting the insult by questioning the insultor’s behavior.
When to use: When you want to highlight their behavior rather than engage in conflict.
When not to use: If you’re aiming for a direct response.
Example: “I’d rather be trash than someone who resorts to name-calling.”
4. “If I’m trash, you must be a garbage collector. Thanks for the attention!”
Story: Making a humorous comparison to a garbage collector.
When to use: When you want to inject humor into the situation.
When not to use: If you’re not in the mood for jokes.
Example: “If I’m trash, you must be a garbage collector. Thanks for the attention!”
5. “I’d say that’s a reflection of how you see yourself more than me.”
Story: Suggesting that their comment reflects on them rather than you.
When to use: When you want to turn the insult back on the insulter.
When not to use: If you want to avoid escalating the situation.
Example: “I’d say that’s a reflection of how you see yourself more than me.”
6. “I’m just here, living my life. If that bothers you, maybe reflect on why.”
Story: Suggesting they consider why they’re bothered.
When to use: When you want to prompt self-reflection in the insulter.
When not to use: If you prefer to avoid provoking further conflict.
Example: “I’m just here, living my life. If that bothers you, maybe reflect on why.”
7. “If being called trash is the worst of my problems, I’m doing pretty well.”
Story: Putting the insult into perspective.
When to use: When you want to downplay the impact of the insult.
When not to use: If you want to address the insult more seriously.
Example: “If being called trash is the worst of my problems, I’m doing pretty well.”
8. “Interesting choice of words. I’m more focused on improving myself than listening to negativity.”
Story: Emphasizing self-improvement over negativity.
When to use: When you want to show that you’re focused on personal growth.
When not to use: If you’re looking for a more direct retort.
Example: “Interesting choice of words. I’m more focused on improving myself than listening to negativity.”
9. “I’d rather be trash than waste my energy on petty insults.”
Story: Prioritizing your energy over engaging in insults.
When to use: When you want to express that you’re above petty conflicts.
When not to use: If you want to confront the insult directly.
Example: “I’d rather be trash than waste my energy on petty insults.”
10. “Looks like someone’s having a rough day. I hope things get better.”
Story: Offering sympathy despite the insult.
When to use: When you want to de-escalate and show empathy.
When not to use: If you prefer to address the insult more assertively.
Example: “Looks like someone’s having a rough day. I hope things get better.”
11. “Your opinion of me doesn’t define who I am.”
Story: Asserting that their opinion doesn’t affect your self-worth.
When to use: When you want to affirm your own value.
When not to use: If you want to engage in a more direct response.
Example: “Your opinion of me doesn’t define who I am.”
12. “I’m too busy being awesome to worry about your opinion.”
Story: Shifting focus to your own positive qualities.
When to use: When you want to confidently deflect the insult.
When not to use: If you’re feeling hurt and want to address it.
Example: “I’m too busy being awesome to worry about your opinion.”
13. “It’s funny how you focus on me instead of your own life.”
Story: Pointing out their focus on you rather than themselves.
When to use: When you want to redirect their attention.
When not to use: If you prefer a more straightforward response.
Example: “It’s funny how you focus on me instead of your own life.”
14. “I’m not trash; I’m just in the process of evolving.”
Story: Presenting yourself as someone who’s growing and changing.
When to use: When you want to emphasize personal growth.
When not to use: If you want a more direct rebuttal.
Example: “I’m not trash; I’m just in the process of evolving.”
15. “You must be having a tough time if you need to resort to insults.”
Story: Suggesting that their behavior stems from their own difficulties.
When to use: When you want to show understanding despite the insult.
When not to use: If you want to avoid delving into their personal issues.
Example: “You must be having a tough time if you need to resort to insults.”
16. “I’d rather be trash than someone who brings others down.”
Story: Highlighting the negativity of their behavior.
When to use: When you want to emphasize their own negative actions.
When not to use: If you’re looking for a more neutral response.
Example: “I’d rather be trash than someone who brings others down.”
17. “If I’m trash, then you’re just adding more to the landfill.”
Story: Using humor to suggest their comment is insignificant.
When to use: When you want a witty and humorous comeback.
When not to use: If you want to avoid further conflict.
Example: “If I’m trash, then you’re just adding more to the landfill.”
18. “It’s a shame you think that way. I’m quite happy with who I am.”
Story: Asserting your happiness and self-worth.
When to use: When you want to affirm your contentment despite the insult.
When not to use: If you’re feeling hurt and want to address it.
Example: “It’s a shame you think that way. I’m quite happy with who I am.”
19. “Your opinion is noted. I’m still moving forward.”
Story: Acknowledging their opinion but maintaining your course.
When to use: When you want to acknowledge the comment without letting it affect you.
When not to use: If you prefer a more assertive response.
Example: “Your opinion is noted. I’m still moving forward.”
20. “If being called trash is the worst you can do, I’m in good shape.”
Story: Minimizing the impact of the insult.
When to use: When you want to downplay the effect of the insult.
When not to use: If you want a more direct confrontation.
Example: “If being called trash is the worst you can do, I’m in good shape.”
21. “Thanks for your input, but I’m focused on the positives in life.”
Story: Redirecting focus to positive aspects.
When to use: When you want to maintain a positive outlook.
When not to use: If you’re dealing with someone who might escalate the situation.
Example: “Thanks for your input, but I’m focused on the positives in life.”
22. “I’m not trash; I’m just not your cup of tea.”
Story: Suggesting that personal taste is the issue.
When to use: When you want to make a light-hearted comparison.
When not to use: If you want to address the insult more seriously.
Example: “I’m not trash; I’m just not your cup of tea.”
