All too often women experience street harassment and don't know what to do. Sometimes we want to respond but can't quite think of anything to say in the moment. While every situation is different and each woman should deal with her harassers as she sees fit, we wanted to provide some comebacks that can be kept in your back pocket (for those days when your creativity and wit fail you).
Over the weekend, the Twitter followers of the Everyday Sexism Project shared their most humorous and amusing responses to unwanted attentions. Take a look at our 13 favorites -- hopefully, they'll help you feel a bit more confident in your reaction the next time you encounter street harassment.
1. Feign ignorance.
@EverydaySexism A man once pointed out loudly that I have huge boobs. I looked down at them and screamed like I'd never noticed them before
— Rosie Balls (@RosieBalls) December 5, 2013
2. Bark back.
@EverydaySexism Last time a man called me a bitch for ignoring his unwelcome advances, I barked at him loudly & repeatedly until he ran away
— Bluestocking (@MistressLoz) December 5, 2013
3. Point out a certain anatomical dilemma.
@EverydaySexism Guy on train after I asked him to move his bag off seat: "Why don't you grab my cock?" Me: "I didn't bring any tweezers."
— Rebecca J.F. (@DemonicDragon) December 5, 2013
4. Use what Mother Nature gave you.
@EverydaySexism Man calls out "nice ass" and I just happen to be holding in a fart. Stop, look right at him and let it go.
— Cara Jane Francis (@carajanefrancis) December 8, 2013
5. Put your own spin on their advice.
@EverydaySexism "A woman's place is in the kitchen" you know what you're right. Lemme grab a knife.
— Grinch Pal Charlie™ (@CannibalKisses) December 5, 2013
6. Introduce your harasser to new, like-minded people.
@EverydaySexism a guy kept harrassing me for my phone number so I gave him the number of another sexist, figured they'd have a lot in common
— Amanda (@KrezzyNL) December 5, 2013
7. Fact-check their statements.
@EverydaySexism Man: "Nice tits." Me: "If you're going to be a sexist pig at least be accurate. I have fantastic breasts." Silence....
— Sally Preston (@_sallypreston_) December 5, 2013
8. Direct your harasser to Lost and Found. Maybe they will find what they're looking for there?
@EverydaySexism On train home guy rubs my bum. I grab hand, lift it in the air & say "has anyone lost a hand? I found this one on my arse!"
— Manners Punk (@punk_manners) December 5, 2013
9. Be honest.
"Guy: can't turn a hoe into housewife." "Me: can't turn a misogynist asshole into respectable guy" @EverydaySexism
— Beth (@jasonverlanderr) December 5, 2013
10. Attempt to educate.
@EverydaySexism i was riding my bike home + a guy said to his friends "she wants my dick"-about me-so i rode back + lectured them for 10 min
— ッ dont be sad be fab (@lpitock78) December 5, 2013
11. Explain how a conversation works.
@EverydaySexism man glaring at my boobs.
"They don't talk back yknow."
"Excuse me?"
"My breasts. They don't talk back. My face does though"
— Sarah Mitchell (@Smitchalot) December 5, 2013
12. Discuss meal preference.
@EverydaySexism "How do you like you eggs in the morning?" - grim late night pickup attempt. "Unfertilised thanks" (my wittest moment ever)
— Corrie Fielding (@corrief) December 5, 2013
13. Invoke the late, great Jane Austen.
@EverydaySexism When I get cat-called I like to go Austen on their ass. "You're fit." "OH SIR! Finally a man who can take me to the ball!"
— Heather Shaw (@LadyBitsandBobs) December 5, 2013
[h/t Mouthbeef tumblr]