Say during an interaction, someone throws something your way. Whether it be an insult, a shit-test or some other type of 'attack,' what is the preferred move to fire back?

It is my understanding you must not only set boundaries but also show that you aren't someone to be fucked with. You do this by calculating when to bite and sink your teeth in aggressively. When do you make these manoeuvres? You can't be doing them every time, but you need to show strength.

I'm talking mostly in a group setting, because who gives a fuck what this person thinks of you. I'd rather guard my reputation. But I believe independently and in groups are two very different instances. I believe the individual instance would be more of a power talk plausible deniability play if it were to occur.