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Original poster

What would have been a sharp reply to this?

117 replies

2cubesoficeandasliceoflime · 31/10/2025 09:06

I've lived all over the UK and have a fairly neutral accent which some people interpret as posh (it isn't) but sometimes I use colloquialisms that people dont expect because of it.

I was organising some food. I had referred to it as the "evening meal" just because that was what the menu said. I was speaking to one of the delegates that I dont know and said about having "tea". He looked down his nose at me and said "do you mean dinner? Tea is something you drink". This was in front of quite a lot of people and some sniggered. I just muttered something about the evening meal.

Ive a feeling this wont be the only time Ill experience this about how I talk so what would have have been a sharp but professional reply? Im not the quickest at retorts and when Im put on the spot like that I stumble over my words.

A tinkly laugh/did you mean to be so rude etc aren't particularly sharp.

Im not going to change how I talk. I shouldnt have to. He knew exactly what I was talking about and was just trying (and succeeding) in embarassing me. I can see that certain words/phrases might need to be explained.

This isnt meant to be a discussion about why "dinner" is correct.

(BTW I also use toilet and HATE loo and will never use it).

OP posts:
Olderkids · 31/10/2025 10:54

Oops - apologies. I do normal, not pretentious

WearyCat · 31/10/2025 10:51

“Oh gosh, sorry, I didn’t realise you don’t know how to apply context to assist your understanding. I’ll make a mental note to take that into account next time you’re down to work with clients from Manchester/France/China/wherever so that you don’t embarrass us.”

Steeleydan · 31/10/2025 10:46

2cubesoficeandasliceoflime · 31/10/2025 09:06

I've lived all over the UK and have a fairly neutral accent which some people interpret as posh (it isn't) but sometimes I use colloquialisms that people dont expect because of it.

I was organising some food. I had referred to it as the "evening meal" just because that was what the menu said. I was speaking to one of the delegates that I dont know and said about having "tea". He looked down his nose at me and said "do you mean dinner? Tea is something you drink". This was in front of quite a lot of people and some sniggered. I just muttered something about the evening meal.

Ive a feeling this wont be the only time Ill experience this about how I talk so what would have have been a sharp but professional reply? Im not the quickest at retorts and when Im put on the spot like that I stumble over my words.

A tinkly laugh/did you mean to be so rude etc aren't particularly sharp.

Im not going to change how I talk. I shouldnt have to. He knew exactly what I was talking about and was just trying (and succeeding) in embarassing me. I can see that certain words/phrases might need to be explained.

This isnt meant to be a discussion about why "dinner" is correct.

(BTW I also use toilet and HATE loo and will never use it).

I always call it breakfast dinner & tea.
You could say....'tell me, does been so obnoxious come naturally or do you have to practice?'
Turn on your heel and walk off

Wedontdeservedogs · 31/10/2025 10:46

MorningFresh · 31/10/2025 09:33

"Dont be an arsehole, Dave".

Perfect retort for this

Lurkingandlearning · 31/10/2025 10:44

“Well yes, there is tea that you drink but not off a plate.”

HypnoToads · 31/10/2025 10:39

'Some words can have more than one meaning. For example, a twat could be a woman's genitals, or a man like you.'

Bulbsbulbsbulbs · 31/10/2025 10:35

If you are eating as a group at an event I don't think it's ever called tea is it? Wherever in the country you happen to be hotels/ conference centres serve 'dinner'. I think tea is used regionally or colloquially to refer to the evening meal by individuals but the venue wouldcall it dinner.

It's never a good idea to be sharp with colleagues. Best to take him to one side and say how he made you feel. If he dismisses your feelings then complain about him.

Goldengirl123 · 31/10/2025 10:25

It’s just a joke. What’s their problem?

LaMarschallin · 31/10/2025 10:25

Rictasmorticia · 31/10/2025 10:07

Maybe say,” Thank you Professor Higgins”

It's a good retort but you have to be sure that he'd understand the reference.
I've tried the odd bit of rapier wit only to be met with a blank stare and "Shurrup" or something.
Sometimes it's best to take the rapier by the point and hit them over the head with the handle.
I'd probably have done exactly what the OP did because it takes me aback when someone is unexpectedly rude.

Makemineacosmo · 31/10/2025 10:25

'Where I'm from, we call it tea. I'm surprised you didn't realise that'.

LaLoba · 31/10/2025 10:19

I don’t reply to that sort of rudeness, just look at them without speaking until they get flustered and start justifying. After which I’lll pointedly move the conversation on. Which is really satisfying.

it does help that I have a face like Granny Weatherwax and the ability to raise one eyebrow though! 😂

CryMyEyesViolet · 31/10/2025 10:18

I’d say something along the lines of “you knew what I meant though, didn’t you?”.

The tea/dinner thing and the barm/bread cake/tea cake debates are usually light hearted regional debates though rather than aggressive put downs.

Balloonhearts · 31/10/2025 10:12

If I need your input, I'll ask for it, off you fuck, poppet.

Couldyounot · 31/10/2025 10:12

"Unless you're even more stupid than you look, you knew exactly what I meant. Stop being a cunt."

Planesmistakenforstars · 31/10/2025 10:11

"Oh, have you never been eductaed about regional variations?"

NotInMyyName · 31/10/2025 10:11

Who made you the word-police.

gingerscot · 31/10/2025 10:08

“Oh dear, my northern/working class/regional roots are offending you, are they?” And then if laugh. I’m proud of my background so it wouldn’t upset me. But I would now know he was a twat, so that’s useful.

Redpeach · 31/10/2025 10:08

Its also the last letter of see you next tuesday

Rictasmorticia · 31/10/2025 10:07

Maybe say,” Thank you Professor Higgins”

hairbearbunches · 31/10/2025 10:06

"Well, far from embarrassing me, you've just made yourself look like a right snob, you daft wassack."

Lean into it, OP. If you're from the North, own it! And fuck 'em 😚

Topjoe19 · 31/10/2025 10:04

Just say "Don't be a dick" and keep talking.

Or you could just give him a Paddington hard stare for a bit and then continue talking.

FOJN · 31/10/2025 10:04

He showed himself up. There is no need for you to stoop to his level to amplify his arseholery. He can sacrifice his dignity for the gratification of amusing a few other arseholes but you can choose to hold on to yours. If it helps I would have just felt pity for him. Confident, happy and secure people never feel the need to try to publicly humiliated others.

I think this from Desmondhasabarrow at 9.48 is perfect.

“Ok, a lot of people call the evening meal tea”

isthesolution · 31/10/2025 10:03

Apologies - I forget other people don’t understand regional differences. I didn’t mean to make you feel inferior for not understanding - I would never do something like that.

GrillaMilla · 31/10/2025 10:03

Oh it's tea where I'm from! and shrug or laugh.
Just act unaffected by it, like his comment wasn't important is the best way I've found of dealing with people like this.

Rainbowcat77 · 31/10/2025 10:02

I agree with Pp saying you have to be careful about being too sharp in a work situation.
I think I’d have gone with:

”I call it tea, we’re all different”

or “it’s interesting how words vary between regions isn’t it?”

Let him know he’s being a bit of a tit for looking down on something so trivial and subjective.