[AnimalMuppet]

But that's not a good way of doing it. A one-word reply rarely makes clear what needs more explanation, or even that that's what you're after.

On the other hand, a low-effort, drive-by unsupported claim doesn't necessarily deserve great effort and eloquence in a response. Maybe we should be better than them, but we also all have limited energy.

[themitigating]

That's just it and I do need to make a choice, have a thoughtful reply or ignore the statement.