Today, I’ve put together a list of good comebacks for a nosy person because, well, I find it as annoying as you when someone is being nosy.
It’s not always easy dealing with nosy people and redirecting their intrusions of privacy – at least not without offending them.
I can appreciate that you have to tread lightly sometimes. Often, the nosiest people are those closest to us with good intentions at heart.
But that still doesn’t make it OK for them to be poking their noses in where it’s not wanted!
If you often feel trapped or not sure what to say when someone is sticking their nose into your business, this list of comebacks for nosy people should help!
Good Comebacks for a Nosy Person
- I promise you’ll be the first person I ask if I want someone else’s opinion.
- The reason why it’s called ‘my business’ is because it’s mine.
- If you carry on like this you’re going to know more about me than I do.
- If you’ve lost your nose, it’s right here digging around in my business again!
- You should become a private investigator or a police detective.
- Imagine if you took this much interest in your own life and affairs.
- Well, it’s not that it’s a secret – but it is none of your business.
- Why do you want to know the answer to that question?
- Wow, you’re more interested in me than my therapist.
- When is this interrogation going to end? I’ve got plans later.
- Do you want your nose back when you’re finished?
- You could just stalk me on social media like a normal person.
Related – Here are some comebacks for rude pregnancy comments.
More Offensive Comebacks for Nosy and Intrusive People
The above comebacks should be pretty effective at getting the message across… to most people.
But we all know those people who are a little too stubborn or persistent, right?
Those people who just absolutely have to know what other people are up to, almost to the point of being obsessive.
If you’re comfortable being a little blunter with persistently intrusive people, here are some comebacks and responses for you:
- If you get any further up my rear you might as well be my underwear.
- I’m tempted to give you a dirty look right now, but it looks like you already have one.
- Why are you so interested in my business when you have plenty of your own issues?
- Do you want to know my banking passwords and social security numbers, too?
- I’d give you the middle finger, but it’s not worth the energy.
- Jeeze, what is this, an interrogation?
- Is your life so dull that you have to keep asking about mine?
- You’re literally the nosiest person I know.
- Do you stick your nose into everyone’s business or just mine?
- Are you aware when you’re sticking your nose where you shouldn’t, or you just don’t care?
- Did I ask for your opinion? I don’t remember doing so.
- Shall I keep avoiding your questions, or shall we just draw a line here?
- Has anyone told you you’re incredibly nosy before?
How Do You Set Boundaries With Nosey People?
Setting boundaries is something we do with most people in the way we behave, whether we know it or not.
The issue is that some people are better at respecting those boundaries than others.
When dealing with nosey people, being more mindful about the boundaries we’re setting in place when we deal with them will dictate how they treat us.
If you know someone is nosey, it’s important that you put a clear boundary in place and stop them from putting their nose into your business where it makes you uncomfortable
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “give someone an inch, and they’ll take a mile”, this is the case with nosey people.
If you let them into your personal world because you caved under pressure or feel sorry for them, they’re going to keep pushing for more information.
If this means you have to progressively be blunter until they get the message, then so be it.
It’s better than feeling like you’ve been interrogated or giving away personal information and regretting it.
Related – Here are some tips for dealing with rude family members.
How Do You Deal With an Intrusive Person?
There are several ways you can deal with an intrusive or nosey person, but they all revolve around the same things.
To better handle intrusive people, you need to:
- Learn or understand the cues that the person is about to start crossing that boundary you’re comfortable with.
- Be prepared and know what you’re going to say – that’s what the comebacks above are for!
- Be as honest as you can. Honestly is always the best policy, even if it offends them. If the person doesn’t know how you really feel about them being nosy, they’ll keep trying.
- Move the conversation on to something more positive. Try not to end in silence or an awkward moment when you fire a comeback at the person. Deflect or redirect the conversation onto something positive so you end on good terms.
- Practice what you preach – If you’re putting up boundaries and deflecting nosy intrusions, then make sure you’re not poking your nose into other people’s business!
That’s really all there is to it. As long as you establish a line in regards to what topics, questions, and conversations you’re comfortable talking about and make it clear – (most) people will respect your boundaries.
But if you don’t tell them, they’re not going to know.
Good luck – feel free to drop me a comment below if you have any comebacks that have worked well for you and I’ll add them to the list!
Want to equip yourself with more responses? Check out:
- Some awesome comebacks for jerks
- Witty comebacks for short people
- Funny responses when someone compliments you
Image credits – Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash
Phil lives in England, UK, and has around 20 years experience as a professional life, career and executive coach. He started this blog to help others find and define their own self development journey. Blogging about a wide range of topics to help facilitate a better future.