Earlier this year, during turkey season, Black Twitter gifted us with two of the funniest hashtags around: #ThanksgivingWithBlackFamilies and #ThanksgivingClapBack. But the season of giving isn’t over, and Black Twitter has presented the Internet with yet another way to get through the holidays while fielding annoying questions from your family. It’s called the #ChristmasClapBack.
For those unfamiliar with “clapping back,” please educate yourselves. It is the fine art of serving up a “viciously acute comeback intended to place someone in much-needed check.” A perfect way to get a nosy uncle or annoying cousin off your back during some family time.
#ThanksgivingClapBack was for a crowded dinner table laden mashed potatoes. The #ChristmasClapBack has you equipped for eggnog drinking or present opening. And Twitter has downright exploded with some of the best ways to turn on the shade this holy day.
Uncle: Aren't you too old for video games?
— ETHOS | Never Fade Away (@GamingEthos) December 24, 2015
Me: Aren't you still unemployed?#ChristmasClapback
https://twitter.com/MoniNxtDoor/status/680076712021999623
#ChristmasClapBack
— The Real Destiny Jasmine (@Adore_dess) December 24, 2015
When ur aunt and granny argue and granny hit her with that "At least my Pie almost gone" pic.twitter.com/VaudusJYC3
https://twitter.com/_LoveMeForReal_/status/680053098056957952
Most of these tweets are paired with photos of people sipping on something hot like tea. This is to project the “but that’s none of my business” feel about a gossip bomb you just dropped—you’re simultaneously putting someone on blast and excusing yourself from the fray.
People have wasted no time establishing Twitter accounts like @XmasClapbackz and @ChristmasClap in dedication to the cause of Santa Claus-worthy clapbacks. And while we’re definitely seeing repeats of some burns and images that were popular during #ThanksgivingClapBack, many of the new ripostes are tinted with that Christmas spirit by way of references to presents and other Noël-related traditions.
https://twitter.com/williamr12/status/680068060326187010
https://twitter.com/Ridickielouz/status/680067932441939968
Grandma:Why your man not here?
— David Harrison (@picklejuiceisna) December 24, 2015
Me:Why nobody touching your fruit cake
#ChristmasClapBack pic.twitter.com/C8aOtpPLpS
Some of these comebacks are severely savage, so proceed with caution if you’re going to throw them down at your own familial gatherings. But if your fireplace isn’t working, roasting an aunt with one of these will generate more than just a little bit of heat.
Aunt: "Stay out of trouble!"
— britt (@brittnashe) December 24, 2015
Me: "Stay out of married men houses…" ⚠⚠😈#ChristmasClapBack pic.twitter.com/WNFOz7BDAi
Cousin: you still believe in Santa?
— eli (@eliwhit_) December 24, 2015
Me: you still believe your dad is on that business trip?#ChristmasClapBack pic.twitter.com/flGqQznnml
Illustration via Max Fleishman