Lin-Manuel Miranda's hit musical Hamilton, which debuted on Broadway in 2015, revolutionized the way people engage with history, offering a fresh and captivating narrative that combines catchy music, powerful performances, and diverse casting. One of the key elements that make Hamilton a cultural phenomenon is its sharp wit, which manifests in several memorable comebacks throughout the show. From Hamilton's verbal sparring with Aaron Burr to Thomas Jefferson's sarcastic remarks, the musical is filled with some of the most iconic clapbacks in theater history. Although some notable clapbacks, such as Hamilton's insult to John Adams and Angelica's sarcastic congratulations to Hamilton, were cut from the final version, there are still plenty of epic putdowns to enjoy. Here are some of the most notable ones, so be sure to upvote the ones that truly stand out.
About this list
- 1
Thomas Jefferson:If the shoe fits, wear it. If New York is in debt, why should Virginia carry it? Our debts are paid, I fear. Do not tax the South; we made it in the shade. In Virginia, we plant seeds in the ground. We create. You just want to move our money around.
Alexander Hamilton:A civics lesson from a slaver. Hey neighbor, your debts are paid because you don't pay for labor. We plant seeds in the South. We create.Yeah, keep ranting; we know who is really doing the planting.
207 - 2
Alexander Hamilton:I never agreed with Jefferson once. We fought on seventy-five different fronts.But Jefferson has beliefs. Burr has none. When everything is done, Jefferson has beliefs; Burr has none.
184 - 3
Thomas Jefferson:So quick-witted.
Alexander Hamilton:Alas, I admit it.
Jefferson:I bet you were quite a lawyer.
Hamilton: My defendants got acquitted.
Jefferson:Huh. Someone ought to remind you—
Hamilton:What?
Jefferson:You are nothing without Washington behind you.
George Washington:Hamilton!
Jefferson: Daddy’s calling.
178 - 4
Alexander Hamilton:Angelica, thank God. Someone who understands what I struggle to do here.
Angelica Schuyler: I’m not here for you.
174 - 5
Thomas Jefferson:When we faced death and need, we made a promise; we signed a treaty. We needed money, guns, and a chance. Who provided those funds?
James Madison:France.
Jefferson:In return, they did not ask for land. They asked only for a promise: we would help them and stand with them if they fought oppressors. Revolution is messy, but now is the time to stand.
Alexander Hamilton: We signed a treaty with a King whose head is now in a basket.Would you like to take it out and ask? Should we honor our treaty, King Louis’ head? Uh... do whatever you want, I’m super dead.
158 - 6
Samuel Seabury:Heed not the rabble who scream revolution—they do not have your interests. Chaos and bloodshed are not a solution. Do not let them lead you astray.
Alexander Hamilton: My dog speaks more eloquently than you!
Seabury:This Congress does not speak for me—
Hamilton: But strangely, your mange is the same!
Seabury:I pray the king shows you his mercy.
Hamilton: Is he in Jersey?
139 - 7
Alexander Hamilton:Since when are you a Democratic-Republican?
Aaron Burr:Being one put me back on my feet.
Hamilton:No one knows who you are or what you do.
Burr: They do not need to know me. They dislike you.
133 - 8
Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton:You forfeit all rights to my heart. You forfeit the place in our bed. You sleep in your office instead, with only memories of when you were mine.I hope that you burn.
131 - 9
King George III:You are on your own. Awesome. Wow.Do you have a clue what happens now?
126 - 10
George Washington:This war is hard enough without infighting—
Alexander Hamilton:Lee called you out. We called his bluff.
Washington:You solve nothing; you make our allies in the south angry.
Hamilton:You are absolutely right.John should have shot him in the mouth. That would have silenced him.
101 - 11
Aaron Burr:Excuse me, miss. Your perfume smells like your daddy has money. Why are you slumming in the city in those fancy heels? Are you looking for an urchin to give you ideas?
Angelica Schuyler:Burr, you disgust me.
Burr: Ah, so you discussed me.
101 - 12
Aaron Burr:Fools who run their mouths off die.
John Laurens:Yo yo yo yo yo! What time is it?
Laurens/Lafayette/Mulligan:Show time!
Burr:...Like I said.
92 - 13
Philip Hamilton:George!
George Eacker:Shh! I’m trying to watch the show!
Philip:You should have watched your mouth before talking about my father.
George:I did not say anything untrue.Your father is a scoundrel, and so, it seems, are you.
62 - 14
Alexander Hamilton:Burr! How do I know you won't use this against me next time we clash?
Aaron Burr:Alexander, rumors just grow.We both know what we know.
50 - 15
Charles Lee:Washington cannot be left alone. He is indecisive, from crisis to crisis.The best thing he can do for the revolution is leave and plant tobacco in Mount Vernon.
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