"benign words" people in the 1800s people used to legally duel with guns over words, and every time period before that, its about respect, the only reason most people wouldnt punch him is they have too much to lose, its not a joke, its not funny and not many people have your sense of humor "laugh, and no thanks" you see him as a pussy for punching but more people see you as a pussy for laughing and joking around with a grown man intentionally intimidating and sexually harassing you.