Recently, my friend Kate was left for another woman. No one in our group can figure out why, as Kate is clearly woman enough for anyone. But the cold truth remains: there was a breakup; there was another woman.

Not long after, Kate and a friend visited a local microbrew pub where the “other woman” used to work as a waitress. After the second round, though, Kate realized that the other woman was still waiting tables there. Was in fact waiting on Kate’s table. Watching your nemesis pick up a bunch of dirty glasses may afford some small pleasure, but sharing space with a formidable foe is always unnerving. Kate’s wry friend saw the need for a wry comment. “Kate,” she said—wryly—“you know those fifteen pounds you lost during your breakup? They ended up on her ass.”

This is an example of a wonderfully inappropriate comment ...