A workplace should be a professional and respectful environment. But sadly, many people experience mockery and insults on the job. Whether it’s a passing comment or ongoing bullying, these actions which may be disguised as jokes or offhand comments, can seriously impact someone’s confidence, mental health, and job performance.
We need to have that talk. What’s said, matters more than you think.
Here’s what mockery and insults at work really look like, why they’re such a problem, and what you can actually do if it happens to you.
Here’s what we will cover:
- What is offensive behaviour
- What the intent is behind mocking & insulting
- Common Examples
- Differences between verbal & mental harassment, derogatory comments, mockery & insults
- Why people engage in this behaviour
- Examples of inappropriate workplace behaviours
- Non verbal mockery
- Abuse in the workplace
- Derogatory comments in the workplace
- The impact on mental health
- What you can do / how to shut it down
- Misunderstandings: clarity over conflict
- The role of leadership
- Creating a respectful workplace
What Is Offensive Behaviour in the Workplace?
Offensive behaviour in the workplace includes anything that makes someone feel uncomfortable, disrespected, or unsafe. This can be done through words, actions, or even gestures. Offensive behaviour might not always be loud or obvious. Sometimes, it’s subtle, like sarcastic remarks or constant eye-rolling. But whether big or small, these behaviours should never be ignored.
What’s the intent behind mocking and insulting?
Mockery and insults are often used to put someone down—plain and simple. The person doing it might want to feel superior, get a laugh at someone else’s expense, or even try to mask their own insecurity. It’s a power move, whether they realize it or not. Sometimes it’s meant to be a joke, but even then, it’s often rooted in a desire to make someone feel small or uncomfortable. The impact? It chips away at confidence and trust in the workplace.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs shows that people need to feel respected (esteem) and connected (belonging) to thrive. Mockery, insults, and harassment can undermine these needs, making it harder for individuals to perform well or reach their full potential.
Tony Robbins’ model of six human needs—certainty, variety, significance, connection and love, growth, and contribution—helps explain why. When respect and connection are attacked through such negative behaviors, needs like significance (feeling valued) and connection (feeling close to others) go unmet, which can lead to decreased motivation, increased stress, and a sense of isolation.
Common Examples of Mockery and Insults
Here are some real examples that happen in many workplaces:
- Making fun of someone’s appearance: Comments like “Did you even brush your hair today?” or “You look like you rolled out of bed” are unnecessary and hurtful.
- Imitating someone’s accent or way of speaking: This is not only disrespectful but can also be considered casual racism.
- Joking about someone’s name: Constantly mispronouncing someone’s name on purpose or turning it into a joke can be insulting.
- Belittling someone’s work or ideas: Saying things like “That’s the dumbest idea I’ve ever heard” or “Of course you’d think that” in front of others.
- Mocking someone’s age: Saying “You’re too old to understand this” or “Okay, boomer” is ageist and unprofessional.
- Making rude jokes or nicknames: Calling someone “lazy,” “princess,” or “drama queen” over and over again isn’t funny—it’s harmful.
These examples may seem small to some, but they add up and can seriously affect someone’s mental health and sense of safety at work.
Differences Between Verbal Harassment, Mental Harassment, Derogatory Comments, Mockery, and Insults
Verbal Harassment
This is any kind of spoken or written language used to repeatedly hurt, threaten, or embarrass someone. It includes yelling, name-calling, constant criticism, and offensive jokes. It usually happens more than once and creates a toxic, unsafe environment.
Example: “You’re useless—how do you still have a job here?”
Mental Harassment
This is about emotional pressure and manipulation. It might not involve shouting, but it still causes stress, anxiety, and confusion. It can look like gaslighting, silent treatment, unreasonable demands, or always being blamed.
Example: Ignoring someone for days, then blaming them for not knowing what to do.
Derogatory Comments
These are rude or insulting remarks targeting someone’s identity—like their race, gender, age, religion, or background. These comments are not only offensive, but often illegal under workplace discrimination laws.
Example: “You’re too old to understand how this system works.”
Mockery
Mockery is when someone makes fun of another person in a cruel or sarcastic way. It could be copying the way someone talks, walks, or behaves, and turning it into a joke. It’s often brushed off as “just kidding,” but it’s damaging.
Example: Mimicking a coworker’s accent or voice to get laughs from others.
Insults
Insults are direct and personal attacks. They’re usually one-off comments meant to hurt, embarrass, or belittle someone. While one insult might not count as harassment, repeated insults can definitely become part of a toxic pattern. Sometimes, insults are disguised as backhanded compliments—statements that seem flattering at first but carry an underlying dig. These can be just as damaging because they blur the line between praise and put-down.
Example of a direct insult: “You’re clearly not smart enough for this job.”
Example of a backhanded compliment: “Wow, you actually did a good job—for once.”
| Term | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 🗣 Verbal Harassment | Repeated spoken or written language used to hurt or threaten. | “You’re useless—how do you still have a job here?” |
| 🧠 Mental Harassment | Emotional manipulation or pressure that causes stress. | Ignoring someone, then blaming them for not knowing things. |
| 💬 Derogatory Comments | Insulting remarks targeting identity (race, gender, etc.). | “You’re too old to understand how this system works.” |
| 🎭 Mockery | Making fun of someone in a cruel, sarcastic way. | Mimicking a coworker’s accent to get laughs. |
| 😡 Insults | Direct, personal attacks meant to hurt or belittle someone. | “You’re clearly not smart enough for this job.” |
Why do people engage in this sort of behaviour?
There are all kinds of reasons people behave this way. Some do it to fit in with a toxic group culture. Others may be dealing with their own stress, low self-esteem, or issues at home—and they take it out on others. Sometimes it’s learned behaviour: they’ve seen it happen before and think it’s normal. In some cases, people don’t even realize how harmful their words are until someone points it out. But whatever the reason, it’s not an excuse.
What Are Some Examples of Inappropriate Workplace Behaviours?
Besides direct insults, there are many other types of inappropriate behaviours that can make the workplace toxic. Here are some common examples:
- Spreading rumours or malicious gossip
- Talking down to coworkers
- Ignoring coworkers on purpose and backbiting
- Rolling eyes, sighing loudly, or making sarcastic comments in meetings
- Sharing offensive jokes or memes in group chats
- Interrupting coworkers repeatedly when they speak
All of these behaviour’s fall under different types of workplace bullying, which can be emotional, psychological, or verbal.
Mockery Isn’t Always Spoken
When we think of mockery, we often imagine sarcastic remarks or harsh jokes—but it’s not always about words. Sometimes it shows up in body language, gestures, or actions that silently single someone out. These non-verbal cues can be just as damaging and are often harder to call out. Here’s what it can look like.
Examples of Non-Verbal Mockery in the Workplace
- 🙄 Exaggerated eye rolls when someone speaks
- 👏 Mock-applause after someone makes a comment or presentation
- 🐢 Moving in slow motion to mimic someone who works slowly
- 🎭 Imitating someone’s accent or tone behind their back
- 🧍♂️ Mimicking someone’s walk or posture for laughs
- 📎 Deliberately “helping” with easy tasks to make someone feel stupid
- ✉️ Throwing paper balls or small objects to annoy or get attention
- 😏 Silent smirks and shared looks meant to ridicule someone
These actions might seem minor on their own, but when they’re repeated—or directed at the same person—they become part of a pattern of mockery. It’s not playful, it’s harmful.
What Are Abusive Words in the Workplace?
Some words have no place in the workplace. They are used to hurt, intimidate, or control others. Here are some examples of abusive language:
- Swear words or name-calling (e.g. “idiot”, “useless”, “stupid”)
- Threatening language (e.g. “You’ll be sorry,” “Watch yourself,” “I’ll make your life hell”)
- Sexual or gender-based insults (e.g. “slut,” “sissy,” “man up”)
- Racial slurs or cultural insults
Even if said in anger or “just joking,” cursing in the workplace is never okay. Repeated use of abusive language can be a form of psychological harassment and may lead to formal complaints or legal action.
What Are Derogatory Comments in the Workplace?
Derogatory comments are insulting or disrespectful things said about someone’s race, gender, religion, age, appearance, or abilities. These comments can cause deep emotional pain and may even count as workplace harassment under the law.
Some examples include:
- “You don’t look smart enough to handle this.”
- “Women are too emotional for leadership roles.”
- “Are you even allowed to work here with that accent?”
- “He’s just the diversity hire.” (tokenism)
Even if someone tries to pass it off as “banter,” these kinds of comments can damage trust, morale, and mental well-being in the office.
How Mockery and Insults Impact Mental Health
Mental harassment at work can lead to serious stress, anxiety, depression, and even burnout. Victims often begin to doubt their own abilities, avoid speaking up, or dread going to work each day.
In toxic environments, talented workers often leave not because of the workload, but because of the way they’re treated. A respectful culture helps employees do their best, while a culture of mockery drives people away.
What You Can Do If You’re Facing Insults at Work
Here are some simple steps you can take:
- Keep a record: Write down what was said, who said it, and when. Emails, messages, or witness statements can also help.
- Speak up / shut it down (if safe): Calmly say, “That comment was not okay,” or “Please don’t speak to me like that.”
- Report to HR or management: Most companies have policies against harassment. If it continues, report it.
- Get support: Talk to a trusted coworker, friend, therapist, or legal advisor if needed.
- Know your rights: In many countries, workplace harassment is against the law.
How to Shut Down Subtle Abuse
Subtle abuse is sneaky—sarcasm, offhand digs, “jokes” that sting, or backhanded compliments that sound polite but land like an insult. It’s toxic, and it builds a culture of fear and self-doubt. The key is to call it out early, clearly, and calmly. Try direct but disarming responses like:
- “That felt more like a dig than a joke.”
- “I don’t find that funny—can we keep things respectful?”
- “Let’s stay professional, please.”
- “Not sure what you meant by that—can you clarify?”
- “That sounded personal. Is there an issue we should talk about?”
These responses don’t escalate, but they make it clear the behavior is noticed and not welcome. If it continues, as mentioned above, document it. Keep track of dates, times, and what was said. Bring it to HR or management if needed.
And if you’re a leader, make it clear: your workplace doesn’t tolerate masked hostility. Respect isn’t optional—it’s the baseline.
But What If It’s Just a Misunderstanding?
Not every awkward comment is abuse—and sometimes people do overreact. Tone, culture, and personal history can all influence how something is received. That’s why communication matters. If someone calls you out, try not to get defensive. Instead, ask: “How did that come across?” or “That wasn’t my intention—can we talk about it?” On the flip side, if something bothers you, be open to the idea that it may have been a poor choice of words, not an attack. Creating a respectful culture means giving space for honest conversations, not just pointing fingers. It’s about clarity, not conflict.
Drop the Labels — They Don’t Help
When someone speaks up about being uncomfortable, the worst response is to brush it off by calling them “precious,” “too sensitive,” or a “princess.” These labels are dismissive and shut down real conversation. They send the message that the problem isn’t the behavior—it’s the person reacting to it. In reality, everyone deserves to feel safe and respected at work. Taking someone’s concern seriously doesn’t make you soft—it makes you a professional.
The Role of Leadership in Preventing Harassment
Leadership plays a critical role in setting the tone for workplace behaviour. When managers and leaders show respect and inclusivity, it trickles down to the rest of the team. Leaders must model positive behaviour, act quickly on any signs of harassment, and ensure that everyone knows harassment will not be tolerated.
- Set clear expectations: Leaders should establish a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and communicate this clearly to all employees.
- Lead by example: Managers must behave respectfully and professionally, showing how to interact with others in a positive way.
- Take action: When an incident is reported, leaders should act promptly and fairly to investigate and resolve the issue.
By creating an environment where everyone feels safe and respected, leaders help prevent negative behaviours from taking root.
Creating a Respectful Workplace Culture
In my business, we had a truly diverse team, with over 8 different nationalities and employees ranging from 22 to 65 years old. Our team was split equally between men and women, and this diversity was one of our greatest strengths. We made sure that everyone felt included, regardless of their background or whether they spoke fluent English. In fact, we took extra care to make those with limited English feel particularly welcome and supported.
We had a strict zero-tolerance policy for any form of bullying or harassment, which was reinforced daily in how we treated each other. This wasn’t just something written down in a policy— it was a mindset that we all embraced. By fostering a culture where everyone felt valued, respected, and heard, we ensured that every member of our team could thrive.
Embracing diversity and inclusion allowed us to grow stronger together, leveraging our different perspectives to create a positive, collaborative work environment. When respect is at the heart of a workplace, everyone has the opportunity to contribute their best.
Final Thoughts
Mockery and insults may seem like “just jokes” to some people, but they can have a deep and lasting effect on others. Everyone deserves to feel respected at work. If you’ve ever experienced verbal harassment, derogatory comments, or mental harassment at the workplace, know that you’re not alone—and it’s okay to speak up.
The opposite of mockery and insults is respect and kindness. It’s treating people like they matter, no matter their title, background, or quirks. It means giving feedback in a constructive way, lifting others up, and choosing empathy over sarcasm. Microaffirmations have a significant impact in the workplace. In a respectful workplace, people feel safe to share ideas, ask questions, and be themselves—without fear of being laughed at or torn down. That’s the kind of environment where people actually thrive.
A respectful workplace isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential for everyone’s well-being and success.
