You can find the difference between a roast and a diss from several factors, like the intention behind its use, where it is used, or the tone of the person who said it.
The topic of the difference between a roast and a diss is not only controversial, it is confusing, especially for everyday users. However, you may need to get clarity on the difference and also the right way to say each one.
This way, you won’t make the mistakes I made earlier on using them. In this article, I’ll be discussing the differences between a roast and a diss.
Major Difference between a Roast and a Diss
The major difference between a roast and a diss is in the tone. A roast is usually a lighthearted insult or remark, which is just meant to entertain.
On the other hand, a diss is an insult that is abrasive and mean-spirited in tone, usually used for confrontational purposes.
To this end, a roast is a slight form of diss that is not meant to entirely cajole someone. However, there are other differences between a roast and a diss. These differences include:
1. Intent
The intent behind a roast and a diss is another notable difference between the two of them. I’ve already spoken briefly about it above but you will read more about it here.
For a roast, the intention is solely to entertain people or even the person you want to roast. Thus, a roast is said to create a comic relief effect in a tense atmosphere.
A diss, however, is meant to be used to confront someone over an argument or disagreement. It is used to talk down on somebody too.
2. Target’s consent
This is another difference you can perceive between a roast and a diss. For a roast, the target’s consent is required before insults start flying around.
But for a diss, the target’s consent is not required, so you don’t need to ask before serving out the insults.
3. Circumstance of use/performance
Where a roast and a diss is said or performed is yet another interesting difference you can pinpoint between the two.
A roast is said in a comedy show to the hearing of more than one person and is meant to entertain the audience. However, a diss is said in a one-on-one circumstance.
In What Situation Do You Use a Roast?
A roast is usually done in a comic show, and solely to entertain the audience including the person that’s being spoken about.
The aim is to derive comic details about a person’s life with their permission and bend it to sound funny enough for people to laugh at it.
Here are examples of a roast:
- You’re so tall, that you can almost pass for a javelin pole.
- I like your nose, they make me remember the nozzle of my grandpa’s hunting gun.
In What Situation Do You Diss Someone?
You can only diss someone in a one-on-one encounter and bruise the person’s ego.
A diss is meant to be confrontational and mean-spirited, enough to provoke someone and not come across as funny.
Here are examples of a diss:
- You’re so dumb, it must be a dominant trait in the family tree.
- I bet you’ll pay your college loan till 70.
Final Words
Several people misuse the terms roast and a diss. And that’s because they misunderstand the use and difference between the two of them.
If you used to be one of those people, I bet this article has opened your eyes to the real deal.
This article discloses the major differences between a roast and a diss.
It also includes pointers on where and how to use a roast, alongside credible examples. I’m sure by now, your curiosity will be satisfied.