Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Kyle Prue’s How to Piss Off Men: 106 Things to Say to Shatter the Male Ego is as bold and unapologetic as its title suggests. Marketed as a quick-witted handbook for calling out toxic masculinity, it promises over a hundred biting one-liners, clever comebacks, and sarcastic remarks to deflate the overblown male ego. The premise alone feels like a riot waiting to happen, and at first glance, it’s hard not to be intrigued.
The author opens with humor that is self-aware and often self-deprecating, making it clear that this is not a bitter manifesto but a satirical attempt to explore gender dynamics. Kyle Prue, a comedian and content creator, approaches the topic with a wink rather than a war cry. He insists this isn’t about hating men, but about shining a light on behaviors that frustrate and exhaust women everywhere.
That intention feels genuine, and at its best, the book offers a laugh-out-loud moment or two. Lines like calling an NFL jersey “cosplay” or cutting off a mansplainer with “I’ll just Google it” are sharp, simple, and effective. They capture that subtle, satisfying sting that comes from reclaiming conversational power.
However, the humor doesn’t always hit its mark. While some readers found the comebacks clever, others described them as repetitive or too situational to be useful. The jokes sometimes feel juvenile, and a few of them rely heavily on cultural references that might not resonate outside the U.S. For example, terms like JROTC or Kohl’s Cash will likely confuse international readers.
Several reviewers, including Rosh and Jenny on Goodreads, noted that the book’s biggest weakness is its uneven tone. As Rosh put it, many of the “retorts feel mostly juvenile,” and the laughs are few and far between. Jenny, who listened to the audiobook, pointed out that the humor feels flatter without Prue’s trademark TikTok delivery. It seems that some of his jokes simply work better when performed rather than read.
Still, How to Piss Off Men isn’t without value. Its final chapter, “Why to Piss Off Men,” offers surprising depth, acknowledging how patriarchy harms both men and women by locking everyone into rigid gender boxes. This section alone elevates the book beyond a list of insults and shows Prue’s more thoughtful side.
As Esta, another reviewer, summarized perfectly: this isn’t about teaching women to bully men. It’s about transforming frustration into awareness, and even healing. If the humor sometimes misfires, the intent behind it remains refreshingly sincere.
Ultimately, How to Piss Off Men works best as a casual, coffee-table conversation starter or a cheeky gift for a friend who appreciates irreverent humor. It might make you chuckle, roll your eyes, or nod in agreement but it will probably make you think a little, too.
Verdict: Entertaining in parts but inconsistent. A funny, feminist-flavored social commentary that’s better skimmed than studied.
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