5 Passive-Aggressive Email Phrases That Say ‘I Hate You’ Without Saying It

Let’s face it—corporate email isn’t about communication. It’s about emotional warfare.

In the passive-aggressive arena of “per my last email” and “just circling back,” each message is less about productivity and more about asserting dominance via punctuation.

Here are 5 passive-aggressive email phrases that say “I hate you” but still get you a LinkedIn endorsement for communication skills.

1. “Just to clarify…”

Translation: You’re wrong, and I’m about to walk you into that realization like a smug little butler.

Usually followed by a screenshot of the very thing you ignored the first time.

Bonus aggression: Bold the text in the screenshot.

2. “Per my last email…”

Translation: I already answered this, but you didn’t read it, and now I’m mad in Arial 11.

This is corporate for “you’ve wasted my time and now you must pay.”

How to escalate: Add “see below” and forward the exact same email chain. Again.

3. “As previously discussed…”

Translation: We’ve talked about this. You agreed. Don’t act brand new.

This is the phrase you use when you want someone to question their own memory and possibly their value as a colleague.

Petty power move: Attach meeting notes. Highlight their name.

4. “Thanks in advance!”

Translation: You haven’t agreed to do this yet, but you will. Oh, you WILL.

This one’s so passive-aggressive, it skips consent and moves straight to expectation. It’s emotional entrapment in two words.

Extra toxicity: Use it after assigning something wildly outside their job description.

5. “Happy to hop on a call if easier!” ... the worst offender of passive-aggressive email phrases

Translation: You clearly don’t get it. I’m offering a call so I can condescend in real time.

This one’s a trap. It sounds generous. But it’s usually offered after someone has tried (and failed) to communicate effectively.

Bonus level: Offer a call at a time that ruins lunch.

In Conclusion:

The modern workplace thrives on subtle hostility. And while HR might not let you slap someone with a manila folder, these phrases let you emotionally paper-cut them.

Now go forth and professionally resent someone.