Line #160 Main/GentlemanSnarker


1	[[quoteright:350:[[Manga/BungoStrayDogs https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/gentlemansnarker.jpg]]]]
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3	->'''Lord Sandwich:''' I do not know whether you will die on the gallows or of the pox.\
4	'''John Wilkes:''' That will depend, my lord, upon whether I embrace your principles or your mistress.
5
6	The Gentleman Snarker is a type of DeadpanSnarker that can say ungentlemanly things as only a gentleman can. This should not be considered the exclusive domain of males, because the Ladies can be ''just'' as cunning, and just as well-bred/rich. This trope is about any upper-class person who is exceptionally witty.
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8	They are always polite, except when it is appropriate to be impolite. At that moment, they can deliver their victim [[StealthInsult an insult as sharp and subtle as a rapier.]] They spend their time making witticisms, flirting and pulling pranks. This characteristic is well known among those with a StiffUpperLip and when done right can be quite awesome. Beware the Gentleman Snarker. If you want your pride punctured, they're the one to do it. This was once almost a necessary part of being a high-class person and thus political insults of the past were just as common but at least more interesting.
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10	They may apply SophisticatedAsHell, often sparingly. See also ServileSnarker -- though due to ConservationOfCompetence, one is rarely in the employ of the other. Put two of them in a room together, and SnarkToSnarkCombat becomes almost inevitable.
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12	----
13	!!Examples:
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15	[[foldercontrol]]
16
17	[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
18	* Huey Laforet of ''Literature/{{Baccano}}'' may be unfailingly polite and well-spoken, but he doesn't let that get in the way of mocking or trolling someone.
19	* In ''Manga/Brave10'', samurai lord Naoe Kanetsugu is extremely sharp-tongued toward everyone equally, offering backhanded compliments and politely-veiled insults indiscriminately.
20	* The titular Richard Ranasinghe de Vulpian from ''Literature/TheCaseFilesOfJewelerRichard'' is polite, well-spoken, ''sarcastic as hell'' when he's annoyed, and very, very petty.
21	* The titular ''Manga/CountCain'', in every detail. Witty but self-centred and lazy? Check. Living on inherited money, with no real job but an eccentric hobby (in his case, [[MasterPoisoner collecting and sometimes using poisons]])? Check. Flirtatious ladykiller yet AmbiguouslyBi? Very check.
22	* ''Manga/FromEroicaWithLove'' presents Dorian Red Gloria, Earl of Gloria. A GentlemanThief who plays cat-and-mouse with German Major "Iron" Klaus Heinz von dem Eberbach, the asexual guy who declared that he would capture Dorian.
23	* Albert James Moriarty of ''Manga/MoriartyThePatriot'': Albert's snark primarily comes out when speaking to his old friend, Colonel Moran, but he can be quite biting when it suits him. But never in such a way that would have anyone call him out for poor manners.
24	* Fran, from ''Manga/Reborn2004'', can piss off the whole Varia squad (or everyone) just by opening his mouth.
25	* Death the Kid from ''Manga/SoulEater'' pulls this gem (among many others) in his first duel with Soul and [=BlackStar=] after he shoots them in the most refined way possible:
26	-->'''Death the Kid:''' Oops. My finger slipped.
27	[[/folder]]
28
29	[[folder:Comic Books]]
30	* ''ComicBook/{{Batman}}'' Alfred Pennyworth. Particularly beautiful in ''ComicBook/InjusticeGodsAmongUs''.
31	* Paulie in ''ComicBook/{{Circles}}'' likes to tease around and make quips here and there but it's all in good fun.
32	[[/folder]]
33
34	[[folder:Fan Works]]
35	* ''Fanfic/BloodAndHonor'': Sanguis is usually polite and well-mannered, even to her opponents, but she has a wry sense of humor which becomes more evident the longer she spends with Vette. She enjoys flirting with and flustering Quinn and throws out an occasional bit of verbal wordplay.
36	* ''Fanfic/ChildOfTheStorm'' has Doctor Strange live and breathe this trope. He's a perfect gentleman (most of the time), and his every other word is sarcastic.
37	** Loki, as royalty with refined manners and one of the sharpest wits in the story, also qualifies.
38	** Charles Xavier is from an old money Anglo-American family, has excellent manners, dresses in fine suits, and a generally benevolent demeanour. He also has a dry enough wit to keep up with his godson, Tony Stark.
39	** The [[Creator/NimbusLlewelyn author]] may also qualify, given his strong similarity in tone to Strange (who, he has admitted, is not quite an AuthorAvatar but the closest to one he's willing to write) and his allusions to an upper-middle class British background.
40	* ''Fanfic/AKnightsTaleAsInquisitor'': As indicated by her [[RedBaron moniker]] as "King of Knights", Arturia is very courteous, eloquent, and polite to others at all times, showing professionalism befitting for one such as [[Myth/KingArthur her]]. However, this doesn't change the fact that the wit that comes out of her mouth tends to be just as sharp as her [[{{Excalibur}} sword]]. This actually fits right in with the WorldOfSnark she's landed in - which happens to be [[VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition Thedas]].
41	* ''FanFic/StarWarsLineage'' has Master Dooku, born into an upper-class family and a GentlemanWizard through and through. The only thing faster and sharper than his repartee is his lightsaber.
42	[[/folder]]
43
44	[[folder:Films -- Animation]]
45	%%* The Grand Duke from ''WesternAnimation/{{Cinderella}}''.
46	* ''WesternAnimation/TheSwanPrincess'' has Lord Rogers, Prince Derek's [[TheGoodChancellor good]] but sarcastic advisor. For example, after an epic foot-in-mouth scene from Prince Derek:
47	-->'''Lord Rogers:''' You could write a book. ''How to Offend Women in Five Syllables or Less''.
48	* ''WesternAnimation/TreasurePlanet'':
49	** Captain Amelia, a female version, owes her best lines to this trope.
50	--->'''Captain Amelia:''' Doctor. To muse and blabber about a treasure map, in front of this par''tic''ular crew, demonstrates a level of ineptitude that borders on the imbecilic. And I mean that in a very caring way.
51	** And later during the same conversation with Doctor Doppler:
52	--->'''Captain Amelia:''' Let me make this as... monosyllabic as possible. I don't much care for this crew ''you'' hired; they're... how did I describe them, Arrow? I said something rather good this morning before coffee.\
53	'''Mr. Arrow:''' A ludicrous parcel of driveling galoots, ma'am.\
54	'''Captain Amelia:''' There you go; poetry.
55	[[/folder]]
56
57	[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]
58	* Hobson in the film ''Film/{{Arthur 1981}}''. So many snarky lines it is hard to pick one.
59	-->'''Hobson:''' Thrilling to meet you, Gloria.\
60	'''Gloria:''' Hi.\
61	'''Hobson:''' Yes... You obviously have a wonderful economy with words, Gloria. I look forward to your next syllable with great eagerness.
62	* Alfred Pennyworth is a master of this trope. Particularly evident in ''Film/TheDarkKnight''.
63	-->'''Alfred:''' Will you be taking the Batpod, sir?\
64	'''Bruce:''' ''[rushing off to protect Coleman Reese]'' In broad daylight, Alfred? Not very subtle.\
65	'''Alfred:''' The Lamborghini, then? ''[to self]'' Much more subtle.
66	* Jeffery Pelt in ''Film/TheHuntForRedOctober'':
67	-->'''Jeffery Pelt:''' You've lost ''another'' submarine?
68	** Also:
69	--->'''Jeffrey Pelt:''' Your aircraft have dropped enough sonar buoys that a man could walk from Greenland to Scotland without getting his feet wet. Shall we dispense with the bull?
70	* Harry Hart in ''Film/KingsmanTheSecretService''. As a Kingsman he is gentlemanly in all things, including his snarking, whether it be directed towards the BigBad or against an asshole attendant at a hate-mongering church.
71	-->'''Harry:''' I'm a Catholic whore, currently enjoying congress out of wedlock with my black, Jewish boyfriend who works at a military abortion clinic. So hail Satan, and have a lovely afternoon madam.
72	* Both Holmes and Watson in ''Film/MurderByDecree''. It's about the only way Watson can cope living with Holmes.
73	* In ''Film/MyFavoriteYear'', the actor Alan Swann tends to speak in quips and with exaggerated nonchalance, just like the {{Swashbuckler}} characters he used to play on the silver screen. His mode of speech becomes more normal as he gets to know Benjy, a comedy show writer.
74	* In ''Film/ThePatriot2000'', General Cornwallis is holding 18 of Benjamin Martin's men prisoner, including his son. Martin meets with Cornwallis under a flag of truce and informs him that if his men aren't released, 18 of Cornwallis' officers will have to die[[note]]19, if he hangs Martin with his men[[/note]].
75	-->'''Lord Cornwallis:''' This is hardly the conduct of a gentleman.\
76	'''Benjamin Martin:''' If the conduct of [[BloodKnight your officers]] is the measure of a gentleman, [[IllTakeThatAsACompliment I consider that a compliment]].
77	* Lady Rebecca Gibson is a female example in ''Film/PlunkettAndMacleane''. She is described by one observing character to be "very choice, very choosy" when it comes to her long line of unsuccessful suitors, sending one off in the same scene with a particularly barbed remark. Though unheard by the audience, the reaction of the suitor indicates the remark was particularly vicious, though probably deserved. Even with the man she likes, her initial flirting has a particularly snarky and mischievous tone.
78	-->'''Lady Rebecca:''' ''[to Macleane]'' You are ''not'' a gentleman.\
79	'''Macleane:''' I'm sorry?\
80	'''Lady Rebecca:''' No gentleman would stare at a lady like that in public.\
81	'''Macleane:''' I do beg your pardon. Captain James Macleane, at your service.\
82	'''Lady Rebecca:''' Oh, so you are a gentleman?\
83	'''Macleane:''' Yes.\
84	'''Lady Rebecca:''' What a shame.
85	%%* Jeff of ''Film/RearWindow''.
86	* The French movie ''Ridicule'' (often referred to as "''Wit''" in English-speaking countries) suggests that before the Revolution, the entire French political system revolved around who could do this most effectively. After the Revolution, most of the entire political systems in the whole world began to revolve around who can do this most effectively...
87	* Christopher Riley in ''Film/{{Shadowlands}}'' is one of these, but it backfires horribly on him when he tries it on [[TheSnarkKnight Snark Knight]] Joy Gresham:
88	-->'''Christopher:''' I regard the soul as an essentially feminine accessory, anima quite different from animus, the male variant. This is how I explain the otherwise puzzling difference between the sexes. Where men have intellect, women have soul.\
89	'''Joy:''' As you say, Professor Riley, uh, I'm from the United States, and different cultures have different modes of discourse. I need a little guidance. Are you trying to be offensive, or just merely stupid?
90	* One of the aspects played up in Creator/GuyRitchie's ''Film/SherlockHolmes2009''.
91	-->'''Lestrade:''' In another life, you would have made an excellent criminal.\
92	'''Holmes:''' Yes, and you, Lestrade, an excellent policeman.
93	* Captain von Trapp in ''Film/TheSoundOfMusic''. This characterization of the Captain is largely thanks to Christopher Plummer, who campaigned heavily for more plot development for his character. Apparently, he thought the original stage Captain was a milquetoast. He and costar Julie Andrews later said that they wanted to give the movie some strength and keep it from devolving into all sweetness and light. It worked -- stage revivals largely follow the movie's script and not that of the original stage version.
94	-->'''Captain von Trapp:''' If the Nazis take over Austria, I have no doubt, Herr Zeller, that you would be the entire trumpet section.\
95	'''Herr Zeller:''' You flatter me, Captain.\
96	'''Captain von Trapp:''' Oh, how clumsy of me. I meant to accuse you.
97	* Charles Xavier has shades of this in ''Film/XMenFirstClass''. He's from an extremely wealthy family, attends Oxford and possesses an absolutely brilliant mind -- but he prefers to use his mind-reading abilities and genius knowledge of genetics to seduce women, and seems more interested in drinking than helping mankind. Even when he starts the team, he still possesses a keen wit and sense of fun (which is not to say he is in any way flippant about his beliefs). Only towards the end, when [[spoiler:his friendship with Erik is destroyed and he is left paralyzed]], does he truly become the mentor and leader we would come to know and love.
98	[[/folder]]
99
100	[[folder:Literature]]
101	* Midshipman Literature/AlexisCarew is a daughter of landed gentry who produces ''many'' zingers. Her first night aboard ''Merlin'', an older midshipman, Roland, makes a "gay sailor" DoubleEntendre about Alexis' bunkmate Philip Easley, wondering if she took the top bunk or the bottom bunk.
102	-->'''Roland:''' Likely the top. Given young Easely, after all. Can't imagine him on top! ... Though I'm a topman, myself, and always will be!\
103	'''Alexis:''' I'm quite sure that Mister Easely would acquit himself with distinction, no matter the position.\
104	'''Roland:''' Mayhap. But you'll never find me on the bottom, I assure you.\
105	'''Alexis:''' I'm sorry to hear your repertoire is so limited, sir. Perhaps with more experience, you'll achieve some versatility. ''[everybody else bursts out laughing]''
106	* Artemis from ''Literature/ArtemisFowl'' is a prominent example. "Shall I walk? Or will you beam me up?" Classic.
107	-->'''Artemis:''' [to Blunt] If you were me, then I'd be you, and if I were you, then I'd hide somewhere far away.
108	* Creator/JaneAusten likes snarkers, and her most beloved and worthy characters never lose their gentleman-like or lady-like upbringing.
109	** ''Literature/PrideAndPrejudice'':
110	*** Elizabeth Bennet loves absurdities and making fun of silly people and their faults, and she very often exaggerates or twists her opinions to be witty. She's described as pairing her arch comments with a sweet and friendly demeanor, so much so that Darcy finds her remarks attractive without ever realizing that she ''is'' deliberately trying to irritate him into going away.
111	*** Mr. Darcy is very haughty and proud and he snarks a lot, but he rarely doesn't behave like a gentleman. However, sometimes he can come off as insulting. For example, his sneering remark about Elizabeth's beauty (he calls her "''tolerable'', but not handsome enough to tempt me" and later "I would soon call [her a beauty as] her mother a wit") and his aloof behaviour make him very unpopular among Meryton folks.
112	** ''Literature/{{Emma}}'':
113	*** Emma is very intelligent and some of her comments are quite smart ass. She especially likes friendly arguments with Mr. Knightley, who is her intellectual equal. She's also quite snarky with Mrs. Weston, her close friend and ParentalSubstitute, who tends to protest that "you divert me against my conscience." But when one of her witty remarks crosses the line, she deeply regrets that she insulted the lady who was on the receiving end of her sharp and unkind wit.
114	*** Mr. Knightley snarks very nicely, and he always remains the perfect example of the witty British gentleman archetype.
115	** Henry Tilney of ''Literature/NorthangerAbbey'' is similar to Elizabeth Bennet--he's never without a sarcastic aside or a witty reinterpretation of someone's remark, but he's so good-natured and charming that Catherine just finds him that much cuter (even when most of his humor flies over her head).
116	%% * Macon Ravenwood from ''Literature/TheCasterChronicles'', has shades of this.
117	* ''Literature/CharlieAndTheChocolateFactory'': Willy Wonka has a gift for elegant snarking, with put-downs that whiz right over his targets' heads at times. When Veruca Salt asks him "Who wants a beard, for heaven's sake?" when he's explaining the purpose of Hair Toffee, he replies "It would suit you very well, but unfortunately the mixture is not quite right yet." (Though he is much more direct when arguing with her mother at one point: "My dear old fish, go and boil your head!") The [[Film/WillyWonkaAndTheChocolateFactory 1971 film]] and [[Theatre/CharlieAndTheChocolateFactory 2013 stage]] takes on the character follow suit. (The Wonka of the [[Film/CharlieAndTheChocolateFactory 2005 film]] has NoSocialSkills and is more awkward and childish in his snarking.)
118	* ''Literature/{{Discworld}}'':
119	** Havelock Vetinari. The most magnificent MagnificentBastard ever, he has a title, and if you actually read what he's saying carefully, he's ''unbelievably'' snarky. His lines in the council of war in ''Literature/{{Jingo}}'' are quite possibly the best examples. Vetinari occasionally says "Please don't let me detain you." Those to whom he says it usually consider exactly what that detention might involve, and then leave immediately. This has become a major point of fear for those forced to frequently tell him things he's not going to like:
120	--->'''Colon:''' ''[with genuine dread]'' Lord Vetinari won't stop at sarcasm. He might use -- ''[swallowing]'' -- ''irony''. He's probably going to be satirical, even...
121	** Besides Vetinari, the ''Literature/{{Jingo}}'' novel has some great examples of this from the Klatchian (fantasy Arabs) nobility, especially prominent with Prince Cadram. Note that Cadram is very familiar with Morporkian culture and almost certainly knew it is a racial slur. He is just "innocently" bringing it up to embarrass the Morporkian nobles:
122	--->'''Prince Cadram:''' Tell me, Sir Vimes, I keep hearing the term "towel-head" being thrown around, but I'm not sure I understand its meaning. Do you happen to know?\
123	'''Vimes:''' Erm... it, uh... it refers to your headdress, your majesty.\
124	'''Cadram:''' Really? Well, ''thank you'', Sir Vimes. Do you know, nobody else here at this dinner seemed to have any idea what it meant!
125	* Felix Harrowgate, of ''Literature/DoctrineOfLabyrinths'', is notorious in the court for his nasty barbs-- in fact, sarcasm is his default manner of speech, which interferes with his serious relationships.
126	* Charles Hythloday from Paul Murray's novel ''An Evening of Long Goodbyes''.
127	* Following in Creator/JaneAusten's footsteps, Creator/GeorgetteHeyer has many heroes (and antiheroes) of this type.
128	** The Duke of Avon from ''Literature/TheseOldShades'' (also appearing in ''Literature/DevilsCub)'' is one of the best, as well as his prototype, the Duke of Andover from ''Literature/TheBlackMoth''.
129	** Robert Beaumaris in ''Literature/{{Arabella}}''.
130	** The Earl of Rule in ''Literature/TheConvenientMarriage''.
131	* Sir John Babcock in Creator/RobertAntonWilson's ''Historical Illuminatus Chronicles'' explains at one point to his Italian wife that the British young gentlemen's schools beat out all overt aggression from the boys, so that when grown up they'll make passive-aggressive insults masked as compliments instead of duelling to death like the Italian noblemen do. The main protagonist, Sigismundo Celine manages to be an excellent snarker himself, despite his Neapolitan upbringing.
132	* Bilbo Baggins has a few Gentleman Snarks in ''Literature/TheHobbit''.
133	* ''Literature/HoratioHornblower'': Horatio Hornblower on one or two occasions when he got older.
134	* The Wizard Howl from ''Literature/HowlsMovingCastle''.
135	* Jem Carstairs from the ''Literature/TheInfernalDevices''.
136	* Literature/LordPeterWimsey keeps up a running stream of babble that makes the uneducated believe him to be an UpperClassTwit, but which references disparate subjects from the classical canon to campanology.
137	* ''Literature/TheManWhoWasThursday'': [[TheManBehindTheMan Sunday]] is constantly making fun of his [[BombThrowingAnarchists comrades]], which oddly doesn't detract at all from his being a scary-ass dude. Here's an example from just one conversation:
138	-->''"I bring you news of no such [[DirtyBusiness disgusting spectacles]]."''\
139	'''SUNDAY:''' You mean Dr. Bull’s [[ScaryShinyGlasses spectacles]]? ...Really, to call them disgusting, before the man himself.\
140	''"Look at my face!"''\
141	'''SUNDAY:''' I dare say it’s the sort of face that grows on one. In fact, [[DeadpanSnarker it grows on you]].
142	%% * Jace Wayland from ''Literature/TheMortalInstruments''.
143	%%* ''Literature/NightfallSeries'': Prince Vladimir is a villainous example.
144	* Lord John Grey in the ''Literature/{{Outlander}}'' series is one of these, though generally managing to keep his words to himself. Claire Fraser has her own moments of Gentlewoman Snarkerishness.
145	%%* Lady Lucy Fitzmartin from ''Literature/APearlForMyMistress''.
146	* Compared to the thuggish characters that populate his world, Literature/PhilipMarlowe has a lot of tact and wit to his snarks.
147	* Literature/PhiloVance, the hero of S.S. Van Dine's detective stories, is a brilliant polymath who habitually acts like an indolent fop. He has been described as a polymathic Psmith.
148	%%* Literature/{{Psmith}}. A rather [[TheWonka weirder]] example than most, but still deadly.
149	* Richard Hannay, protagonist of John Buchan's thriller novels, may be something of an idealist, but like all Britons he is perfectly capable of a few zingers. Of his opponent in ''Literature/{{Greenmantle}}'', he says: "He was a man of remarkable qualities, which would have brought him to the highest distinction in the Stone Age."
150	* Franchise/SherlockHolmes is highly effective at delivering gentlemanly snarks.
151	* This is particularly common in ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire'': most of the Lannisters are good at producing zingers, but Lady Olenna Tyrell makes it into an art form.
152	* ''Literature/VorkosiganSaga'':
153	** Byerly Vorrutyer from ''Literature/ACivilCampaign''. He's Vor-class, [[IdleRich "is notoriously without visible means of support"]], makes sarcastic quips at everyone else's expense, and [[AmbiguouslyGay is very interested]] in what [[GenderBender his newly male cousin]] [[KissingCousins looks like without clothes]]. However, [[spoiler:he's actually a high ranking civilian [[SecretPolice Imp Sec]] agent]].
154	** Ivan Vorpatril is another example of this trope, though he tends to act like an UpperClassTwit to the degree that it was years before his cousin Miles Vorkosigan realized his first name wasn't "That Idiot."
155	[[/folder]]
156
157	[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
158	* ''Series/BabylonFive'':
159	** Mr. Morden is something of a villainous version of this.
160	** Mr. Bester is an even better example. After Mr. Garibaldi states he'd like to "Play pinata" with him:
161	--->'''Bester''': So, you think of me as something bright and colorful, filled with candy and toys for small children? Thank you, Mr. Garibaldi. That makes me feel so much better about our relationship.
162	* Mr Feeny in ''Series/BoyMeetsWorld''.
163	* Tommy Lascelles of ''Series/{{The Crown\|2016}}'', who holds nearly everyone in mild contempt -- not even the royal family is exempt from his withering stare and wit.
164	-->'''Tommy:''' [to the Duke of Windsor] I will take a lecture on national embarrassment from many people, sir, but not from you.
165	* Dick Stuart-Clark from ''Series/DoctorInTheHouse'' and its sequels comes from old money (as his double-barrelled surname hints), with his medical studies funded on a per year basis by a wealthy relative's will (he coasts along doing as little work as possible so that "per year" lasts as many years as possible). He would much rather spend his time drinking and pursuing women than practising medicine. He is intelligent and savvy but is far more likely to use that to engage in scams and schemes than in doing well at his job.
166	* ''Series/FawltyTowers'': Basil has a moment of this in "The Builders", when he telephones O'Reilly to ask him to put right the shambolic building work, which sounds even funnier after Basil's earlier hysterical reaction.
167	--> '''Basil:''' (silkily) Ah hello, Mr O'Reilly, how are you this morning?... Oh I do beg your pardon. Basil Fawlty, you remember, the poor sod you do jobs for? How are things your end?... Oh good! Well, how would you like to hear about things my end?... Oh well, up to your usual standard, I could say: a few holes in the floor, the odd door missing, but nothing you couldn't be sued for.
168	* ''Series/{{Firefly}}'':
169	** Simon Tam is the stand-out example of the show.
170	*** In "Safe", Simon feels his father is too worried about the family's social status and not worried enough about River's well-being.
171	---->'''Simon:''' "I'm sorry, Dad. I would never have tried to save River's life if I had known there was a dinner party at risk."
172	*** In "Objects in Space", he's held hostage by Jubal Early who's trying to capture River for the bounty on her head. Even though he knows Simon is biding his time and waiting for a chance to try and turn the tables on him, Jubal is still astonished by Simon's laid back attitude to being held at gunpoint while a mentally unhinged bounty hunter takes over the ship. ("Doesn't anybody care that I'm holding a gun to this boy's head?!")
173	---->'''Simon:''' I can't keep track of her when she's not incorporeally possessing a spaceship, don't look at me.\
174	'''Simon:''' Well, my sister's a ship. We had a complicated childhood.
175	** In "Shindig", much of the episode occurs during a high society party where wit and snark abound.
176	*** A distinguished old man comes to Kaylee's aid when she is being mocked by an AlphaBitch for the store-bought dress that she wore:
177	---->'''Distinguished Old Man:''' Why, Banning Miller! What a vision you are in your fine dress. It must have taken a dozen slaves a dozen days just to get you into that getup. 'Course, your daddy tells me it takes the space of a schoolboy's wink to get you ''out'' of it again.
178	*** His Lordship Sir Warrick Harrow has great fun bringing his hated peer, Atherton, down a peg or two:
179	---->'''Sir Warrick Harrow:''' Now, you're going to have to rely on your winning personality to get women. God help you.
180	* Series/{{Frasier}} and Niles Crane are the ''masters'' of this trope. In fact, the more viciously snarky they are, the politer and more refined their language becomes. And since most of their remarks are aimed at each other, the show has some amazing SnarkToSnarkCombat.
181	** In ''Taking Liberties,'' both Crane brothers find themselves outsnarked by [[ServileSnarker Ferguson]], a consummately professional [[TheJeeves English butler]] played to the hilt by Creator/VictorGarber.
182	--->'''Ferguson:''' Sherry, Dr. Crane?\
183	'''Niles:''' Oh, thank you, Ferguson, but even as we speak I have a bottle of Veuve Clicquot chilling in my apartment and you know the old caution: "Champagne after sherry makes tummy grow wary."\
184	'''Ferguson:''' ({{Beat}}) You have your brother's wit, sir.\
185	'''Frasier:''' ''<smiles at the evident compliment, but his smile soon fades as it dawns on him it probably wasn't a compliment at all>''
186	* [[MagnificentBastard Chuck Bass]] from ''Series/GossipGirl''. He ''does'' have a job, but keep in mind that he's an eighteen-year-old hotelier who spends more time drinking, having sex, and playing mind games with everyone he knows. His excuse? "I'm Chuck Bass." He's also not the eternal bachelor, but if he can't have Blair he seems determined to have every prostitute and easy girl in New York instead.
187	* ''Series/{{Hannibal}}'': Along with his exquisite taste ([[ImAHumanitarian including friends to have for dinner]]) and love of refined culture, Hannibal Lecter often showcases his highly sharp wit. Sometimes his snark can be particularly vicious.
188	-->'''Mason Verger:''' I'm sure my sister has told you horrible things that I've done.\
189	'''Hannibal:''' I can't tell you what Margot's confessed to me. Fortunately for you, I can't tell anyone.
190	* In the ''Series/HoratioHornblower'' mini-series, his Lordship Major Edrington is a Gentleman Snarker par excellence, which contributes greatly to his fan popularity. He's always cool and he always utters snide remarks while smirking. He also makes sure everybody knows he's better than them, yet he remains a perfect British aristocrat and gentleman.
191	-->'''Edrington:''' ''[watching Horatio try in vain to get on a horse]'' I can see why you chose the Navy.
192	* The eponymous Series/InspectorLynley.
193	* ''Series/{{JAG}}'':
194	** Clayton Webb is often a sarcastic gentleman.
195	** The Sudanese people’s poet Professor Dobotu in the fourth season episode "Embassy" who is a [[UsefulNotes/MahatmaGandhi Gandhi-like]] pacifist.
196	* Jeeves from ''Series/JeevesAndWooster''. Doubles as a ServileSnarker. Of course, he's played by Creator/StephenFry, who could himself be considered a GentlemanSnarker.
197	* Raylan Givens in ''Series/{{Justified}}''. Boyd Crowder is no slouch either.
198	* Ben Stone, of ''Series/LawAndOrder'', is very much a WASP. God help you if he calls you "sir".
199	* Higgins often did this to Magnum in ''Series/MagnumPI''. He can't do it as well as some.
200	* Major Charles Emerson Winchester III of ''Series/{{MASH}}''. A distinguished member of the American [[TheProudElite Proud Elite]] who has sarcasm for everybody.
201	* ServileSnarker Niles from ''Series/TheNanny'' certainly qualifies as this.
202	* O'Hara from ''Series/NurseJackie'' is a female example.
203	* Harold Finch of ''Series/PersonOfInterest''.
204	* ''Series/RumpoleOfTheBailey'' is very much this.
205	* Mycroft Holmes of ''Series/{{Sherlock}}''. His brother Sherlock is more the TallDarkAndSnarky type.
206	* Robert Gilliaume in ''Soap'' and ''Benson''.
207	* Ianto Jones from ''Series/{{Torchwood}}'' develops into something of this in later series.
208	* Bernard Thatch of the White House Visitor's Office in ''Series/TheWestWing'':
209	-->'''Bernard:''' [The painting] was on loan from the Musée d'Orsay to the National Gallery. The President, on a visit to the gallery, and possessing even less taste in fine art than you have in accessories, announced that he liked the painting. The French government offered it as a gift to the White House. I suppose in retribution for [=EuroDisney=]. So here it hangs, like a gym sock on a shower rod.\
210	'''C.J.:''' You're a snob.\
211	'''Bernard:''' Yes.
212	* Most of the civil servants in ''Series/YesMinister''. Sir Humphrey frequently combines this with SesquipedalianLoquaciousness.
213	[[/folder]]
214
215	[[folder:Mythology and Religion]]
216	* ''Literature/TheBible'':
217	** ''Literature/TheFourGospels'': Frequently, Jesus Christ (yes, [[UsefulNotes/{{Jesus}} that]] one), of all people. Then again: although it's surprising at first take -- one wouldn't expect someone who's called the Word of God to be [[JewsLoveToArgue at a loss]] for words, would one?
218	--->'''Jesus:''' Am I some dangerous robber, that you come like this, armed to the teeth to capture me? Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there teaching every day.
219	** ''Literature/BookOfPsalms'': Several instances. As the psalms are poems, this is snark ''in poetry'', no less:
220	--->"Have those who work evil no knowledge?" (Psalm 53:4)
221	** Some of the prophets, from time to time; quite a few of the people writing the books of the Bible, occasionally -- and (as far as anyone can tell) ''God''.
222	[[/folder]]
223
224	[[folder:Roleplay]]
225	* In ''Roleplay/DawnOfANewAgeOldportBlues'', Irene's refined but polite personality serves itself well to her occasionally droll remarks.
226	-->What a cheery thought. The club of the damned, meetings on Tuesdays, tea and cookies provided.
227	[[/folder]]
228
229	[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
230	* The iconic cleric of ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' 3.5, Jozan, has this trope down to a fine art. He doesn't preach or sermonize at people whose behavior he disapproves of so much as he ''snarks'' at them. At one point he {{Stealth Insult}}s an entire town so well that they actually have to collectively pause to decide whether he was cheering them on or rebuking them.
231	[[/folder]]
232
233	[[folder:Theatre]]
234	* John Dickinson of ''Theatre/SeventeenSeventySix''. He's a refined, well-dressed landowner who wins a snark-off with ''Creator/BenjaminFranklin'' thusly:
235	-->'''Franklin:''' But to call me [an Englishman] without those rights is like calling an ox a bull -- he's thankful for the honor, but he'd much rather have restored what's rightfully his.\
236	'''Dickinson:''' When did you first notice they were missing, sir?
237	* Anna and Claire of ''Theatre/BostonMarriage'' are female examples and written by Creator/DavidMamet no less.
238	* Theatre/CyranoDeBergerac's wit is as sharp as his rapier, which is saying something.
239	* Sheridan Whiteside in ''Theatre/TheManWhoCameToDinner'' is very much this. His first line in the play is, "I may vomit," while his second line is "Thank you. I am suing you for $150,000."
240	* In ''Theatre/TheMoonIsBlue'', the IdleRich David Slater talks like this, though he freely admits that much of his behavior is not worthy of a gentleman.
241	* The ''Theatre/MrsHawking'' play series: Clara Hawking, though she is a lady, and Justin Hawking as well. Their scenes together are a complete battle of well-bred wits. Nathaniel also becomes more so as the stories go on.
242	[[/folder]]
243
244	[[folder:Video Games]]
245	* ''VideoGame/BlazBlue'''s Rachel Alucard is a rare female example and quite a funny one at that.
246	* ''VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins'': Leliana is by far one of the nicest of your party member, so she doesn't snark as much as [[KnightInSourArmor Alistair]], [[TheCharmer Zevran]] or [[AloofDarkHairedGirl Morrigan]], but when pushed, she manages to outsnark the latter during a SnarkToSnarkCombat.
247	--> '''Leliana''': ''(if Morrigan sleeps with the Warden)'' So you're saying you're wild and uninhibited? I suppose he must like your shrieking, you sound like a genlock being murdered — a sweet, sweet sound to a Grey Warden. You should try a little harder next time he takes you. I don't think they heard you in the Anderfels.
248	* ''VideoGame/KingsQuest'''s Prince Alexander is usually more TheComicallySerious towards the absurd situations he ends up in than anything, but every so often he shows a very dry, subtly snarky sense of humor delivered with the same quiet poise he says everything else. This is especially true in ''Literature/TheKingsQuestCompanion'', where it gets combined with SophisticatedAsHell and ExpospeakGag.
249	* ''VideoGame/MarvelAvengersAlliance'' has Doctor Strange, who is also often TheComicallySerious with a healthy dose of SesquipedalianLoquaciousness, but occasionally [[SnarkToSnarkCombat holds his own against even Tony Stark and the other snarkers that abound]].
250	-->'''Ghost Rider:''' You're like a demonic employment agency. Anyone who fights you gets a job with some lesser lord of Hell.\
251	'''Dr. Strange:''' Joke if you must, O man named Johnny Blaze with a flaming skull head.\
252	'''Ghost Rider:''' You making fun of--?\
253	'''Iron Man:''' Pointing out irony. Not the same as making fun. But Strange, snark is my department. From you, we need a briefing.\
254	'''Dr. Strange:''' [[NarratingTheObvious There are demons on the doorstep. Mephisto stirs. The threat of Dormammu lingers.]] Anything else?
255	* [[ReligiousRobot Zenyatta]] of ''VideoGame/{{Overwatch}}'' composes himself with a peaceful, meditative, and generally friendly demeanor, always with a word of encouragement and sagely wisdom to impart. This rather effectively covers up how almost paradoxically, he's also one of the snarkiest heroes in the entire game.
256	-->'''Zenyatta''': ''(while taking down an enemy)'' Do not be discouraged. [[StealthInsult Everyone begins in ignorance.]]
257	* ''VideoGame/StarWarsTheOldRepublic'': Tharan Cedrax certainly seems to see himself his way, tossing off dryly sarcastic commentary about the situations he finds himself in while tagging along with the Jedi Consular. One of the best ways to gain affection with Dr. Cedrax is to engage in sarcasm yourself, often by pointing out just how stupidly some DrunkOnTheDarkSide Sith or Imperial is behaving.
258	* ''VideoGame/TalesOfDestiny2'': While [[spoiler: Leon]] was a bit too hot-headed for this, by the second game, Judas has matured into this trope.
259	** ''VideoGame/TalesOfTheAbyss'': Jade Curtiss is always very calm and polite in his speech, and he always delivers an elegant amount of sarcasm when he feels like it. He sometimes engages in SnarkToSnarkCombat with Guy.
260	* Zagreus of ''VideoGame/{{Hades}}'' is exceptionally soft-spoken and deferential for a rebellious hellion, and often expresses even his most violent anger in polite (if very flippant or passive aggressive) terms.
261	[[/folder]]
262
263	[[folder:Visual Novels]]
264	* In ''VisualNovel/DoubleHomework'', Amy’s mom, [[spoiler:the queen,]] is shown to have a witty and pointed sense of humor.
265	* In ''VisualNovel/SpiritHunterNG'', Seiji's polite demeanor lends itself well to the scathing insults he likes to throw Akira's way, though Akira's not afraid to [[SnarkToSnarkCombat fling back]].
266	* Barok van Zieks, the rival prosecutor in ''VIsualNovel/TheGreatAceAttorney'' is always finding new and gentlemanly ways to disparage the opposing counsel, ranging from backhanded apologies, sarcastic praise, or [[PassThePopcorn breaking out the wine to celebrate Ryunosuke's ineptitude]].
267	[[/folder]]
268
269	[[folder:Web Animation]]
270	* ''WebAnimation/RedVsBlue'' has Delta, an A.I. which is supposed to be the pure embodiment of logic, and who typically has a very blandly friendly and overly formal and polite personality. He's also the BondCreature to a very, very snarky soldier. The end result personality mix is rather entertaining, especially when the two VitriolicBestBuds are [[SnarkToSnarkCombat snarking at each other]].
271	[[/folder]]
272
273	[[folder:Webcomics]]
274	* Eli from ''Webcomic/{{Lapse}}'' is a genuine one, considering from what time period he's from.
275	[[/folder]]
276
277	[[folder:Web Videos]]
278	* ''WebVideo/DreamMachine'': Ryan, Derek, and Meredith by turns.
279	[[/folder]]
280
281	[[folder:Western Animation]]
282	* Walter "Doc" Hartford from ''WesternAnimation/AdventuresOfTheGalaxyRangers'' definitely came from money, judging from his extensive education (including charm school) and mannerisms. And while the other three Rangers indulge in sarcasm from time to time, Doc can probably license his as a deadly weapon.
283	* ''WesternAnimation/DefendersOfTheEarth'': Mandrake is evidently one of the wealthiest inhabitants of Central City, though how he came by his wealth is never revealed. What is clear, however, is that on more than one occasion throughout the series, he is heard to make the kind of wry, occasionally sarcastic, comments associated with snarkers.
284	* Whilst being a Jedi precludes being an actual gentleman, [[Characters/StarWarsObiWanKenobi Obi-Wan Kenobi]] in ''WesternAnimation/StarWarsTheCloneWars'' has the gentlemanly demeanor and reserved attitude of the trope -- as well as making some truly cutting put-downs and snarkery in the most polite way possible. Not for nothing does a [[https://youtu.be/H2sjvbtk1kw compilation of his best lines]] label him "the Master Of Trolling", yet not once in the whole video is he outright rude.
285	[[/folder]]
286
287	[[folder:Real Life]]
288	%%Zero Context Examples have been commented out. Add context to the entries before uncommenting them.
289	%%* UsefulNotes/WinstonChurchill, of course, though some of his snarks were rather harsh and ungentleman-like.
290	%%* The Duke of Wellington
291	%%* Several noted English intellectuals, including Chesterton, Orwell, and others.
292	* Field Marshal Mannerheim. He could intimidate Hitler himself, possibly partly because of his DeathGlare.
293	%%* John Wilkes
294	%%* Tim Gunn
295	* Creator/OscarWilde is almost entirely known for his sharp witticisms. Ironically, he is often claimed to have said: "sarcasm is the lowest form of humor". If he ''had'' ever said that ([[BeamMeUpScotty he didn't]]), he would almost certainly have been saying it sarcastically. Here is one of his quotes:
296	-->''"A true gentleman is one who is never unintentionally rude."''
297	%%* Oscar Wilde's friend and later enemy James [=McNeill=] Whistler was also known for this.
298	%%* Creator/GeorgeBernardShaw
299	* Several American Presidents, especially UsefulNotes/AbrahamLincoln. An excellent example: Lincoln thought that his General [=McClellan=] was reluctant to engage the enemy, and once sent him a note asking that, if [=McClellan=] wasn't using the army, perhaps Lincoln could borrow it for a couple of months?
300	%%* Creator/MissManners
301	%%* Creator/WSGilbert
302	%%* Creator/GKChesterton
303	%%* Creator/CSLewis
304	* Tomás Rivera Schatz, President of the Senate of Puerto Rico, once said of another senator: "She reminds me of [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Magdalene#Mary_Magdalene_as_prostitute Mary Magdalene."]]
305	%%* William F. Buckley Jr.
306	* The boisterous British House of Commons, which Creator/RobinWilliams once called "[The US] Congress with a two-drink minimum", has featured many gentleman snarkers[[note]]Technically, not many [=MPs=] come from the gentry these days, but the kinds of insults they exchange have to fit this tropes to keep things orderly.[[/note]] in the past (some mentioned above) and more than a few today. Just watch the live feed for a while when they are discussing a contentious issue and there are sure to be at least a couple of them on opposite sides having at each other.
307	* As well as often playing this sort of character, Creator/GeorgeSanders was born into the Russian gentry and was technically a real-life example too.
308	* Creator/AlexTrebek was known for this: despite his charismatic, intelligent, and professional demeanor as the longtime host of ''Series/{{Jeopardy}}'', he was completely unafraid to crack wise. A prime example was the little bit of GallowsHumor he dropped after announcing his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in 2018: he stated that he hoped to beat the low survival rate "[b]ecause under the terms of my contract, I have to host ''Jeopardy!'' for three more years."
309	[[/folder]]

Context Main / GentlemanSnarker