How to keep a verbal fight, 'elegant'?

I know some might say, no fight is elegant. But perhaps an argument on a dinner conversation. If a person keep saying things with a double meaning towards you, and attacking you, but very subtly. What are things you can say to get back at them in the same manner?|||I'd just excuse myself and say that intellect rules over crass words; at this moment the terrace looks most intelligent.|||You had it right the first time. There's nothing "elegant" about stooping to the level of a tormentor to "get back at them." The passive aggressive attack, if you want to call it that, is not noticed by only you, the way to win is to pretend not to understand and allow them to continue to make a fool of themselves. Otherwise, you make your host feel uncomfortable and it ruins the dinner for everyone. You definitely do not come off "elegant."|||Don't participate in the game. It really makes them look bad as they try to egg you on, and you simply ignore them or take the higher road with answers like, "Oh really, dear", then turn your head and begin a new subject with another person. Or totally ignoring what was said, and responding "This salad is absolutely delicious". Things like that will just totally deflate them, and anyone listening will be amused at how you didn't get all ruffled.|||Keep it to just facts, nothing personal or something that would seem like a direct attack toward the other person.|||Well as you haven't given us any examples or topics all I can say is be subtle back.





Try answering this question for yourself and you'll realise how difficult it is.|||Either don't have a verbal fight, ask to speak to them privately, or use double meaning terms as well.|||Just say "I'm sorry, I can't hear you over the sound of how awesome I am".