The Dowager Countess and Violet Crawley are experts at the subtle art of British impertinence. From Downton Abbey to Shakespeare to The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, British comedy is a combination dry humor and insults so perfectly given that they seem almost polite.
There really are only 2 steps to a proper, British snub. Use them against coworkers, family or friends who are making you peevish but only sparingly. Apply liberally and you might get stung. But should you wish to try your hand:
1) Give an insult, wrapped up in comedy and brevity
2) Laugh at your own genius
The laughing is key. If you wish to look at it historically, the Dowager is one of the highest in rank in the room at any given time when filming Downton Abbey. A sense of propriety is naturally going to fill the air as everyone waits to take their cue from her. It isn't funny until she deems it as such. Therefore, when she adds her little titter, others at the table or in the the salon may join in. It probably works the same for when Dame Maggie Smith is on set. At the beginning, when everyone is still new, ain't nobody laughing until Maggie Smith is laughing.
Someone attempted this on me and failed miserably. Don't giggle too much with your eyes open widely. Then, you simply look mad.
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