Have you used classic Mumsnet phrases in real life, and did they work?

[ForRealViper]

After years on MN I've read my fair share of stories and advice, and it's made me wonder:

Have you ever deployed a classic MumsNet conversational cue in real life? Have you ever asked someone if they "meant to sound so rude"? Have you ever deliberately attempted a "tinkly laugh"? Have you ever tried to deploy a "devastating comeback" that you remembered from a thread?

Did it work? What happened?

😂😂

not read the full thread but I remember when the infamous “fuck off to the far side of fuck … etc etc “ was seen as the ultimate mic drop on mumsnet and honestly if someone said that to me I’d burst out laughing (and possibly assume they had special needs)

I learned Cocklodger on here and it has turned out to be a useful phrase

Although I haven't said 'did you mean you mean to be so rude', I have done a variation which is ' why are you being rude to me' . With the first they can give a yes or no answer, with the latter you are asking for an explanation.

I have done it with a pain in the arse ex male colleague who wouldn't do the minimum work and was rude and defiant when asked why. It was said in a calm tone and not challenging. He tied himself in knots trying to answer.

Re: "Why are you being rude to me?"

See, I can imagine the other person replying "I'm not, you're misunderstanding me" or "why are you oversimplifying what I'm trying to say to you?", or even "you're derailing the conversation by accusing me of things".

The success of these "comebacks" seem to rely very heavily on the other person getting flustered. If they're already being objectionable, it's likely they'll be prepared to defend themselves too.

*Re: "Why are you being rude to me?"
See, I can imagine the other person replying "I'm not, you're misunderstanding me" or "why are you oversimplifying what I'm trying to say to you?", or even "you're derailing the conversation by accusing me of things".

I see what you are saying and agree that situation could play out.

Ive only used it twice and I suppose the trick is knowing that person's personality and how they are likely to react.

For me, it would worked because the person was losing control because they were in the wrong but I knew they couldn't handle being wrong. I stayed dead calm and was able to report the exchange and it was used as part of evidence gathering about a poor performing and poor attitude colleague.

As always it's about picking your moment and audience.