Did they mean it?
You are playing a game with your brother. You keep getting really lucky rolls and are winning. He smiles and says, "I really hate you right now."
No. He doesn't really hate you, he's just saying that because you are winning. You can tell he is joking because he is smiling.
You have a lot of energy and are running around being goofy. Your mom sees you, laughs and says, "Jeez you really are a silly bear today aren't you."
Funny. She is laughing and giving you a silly name.
You got a bad grade on a math test. A kid in your class sees the score and says "Woah we've got a real genius over here!"
Tease. He's being sarcastic and saying something nice, but really he is being mean.
A boy on the playground always puts out his foot to trip you. When you fall, he looks at you and says "Got two left feet clumsy?"
Yes. He is calling you a rude name after he made you fall.
You fall down, hurt your knee and try not to cry. A friend comes over and says “Hey, clumsy, you better get up before you get trampled?”
Mean. He called you a rude name and didn't offer to help even though you were obviously hurt.
Your teacher puts you in charge of the group project to make sure everyone knows what to do. When you tell your friend, he calls you the "Head honcho."
Joke. Your friend is giving you a nickname to say that you are in charge.
Your friend says, “You look like Santa with that frosting on your face.” And giggles.
No. Your friend is just making a silly comparison.
You are playing a board game with friends. You keep getting unlucky cards and having to go back to start. Your friend says "Wow, you've really got some skills today." He giggles and smiles.
Funny. He's just messing with you and being playful.
You are always so fast at running. Can we call you the Flash?
Joke. They are complimenting how good you are at running.
Your brother says, “Omg your feet are so big! Are you part Bigfoot?” And gives you a playful shove.
No. He is being playful and joking around with you.
Another kid comes over to you on the playground and tells you to stop playing with your best friend because she is weird.
Mean. They are excluding you.
You are helping your mom make cookies. You forget to take them out and they burn a little. Your brother says, "Woah, we've got a world class chef over here!" He smiles and tries one of your cookies.
Joke. He is being a little sarcastic but trying to be funny. He still tries your cookie.
You aren't paying attention and you hit your head on a tree branch. Someone walking by says, "Jeez, are you blind?"
Yes. They are just being mean.
You make your mother laugh and she calls you a "Silly Billy"
Funny. She is giving you a goofy nickname because you are being silly.
You are playing a new game with some kids at school. You keep forgetting to pick a new card at the end of your turn. One of the kids says, "You're not the brightest bulb are you?" Everyone starts laughing at you.
Tease. He was trying to be rude and make you feel bad since you kept forgetting.