What is the best course of action if someone starts to tell an offensive joke at a social gathering?
The best course of action would be to politely interrupt and request that the joke not be told, without displaying any overt criticism. For example, ‘Excuse me, but if this is the joke that I think it is, perhaps it is a little coarse/rude/raunchy (or whatever adjective suits the joke) for a gathering such as this. Some folks might be offended and it would be a shame to spoil the great atmosphere that we are enjoying.’ You have made your point, without pointing any fingers at the person telling the joke; you have effectively voiced your opinion and indirectly blamed the joke itself, not the teller. Hopefully, the person attempting to tell the joke will take the hint and everyone will appreciate the fact that you did it all politely yourself. — Great White: of course, the person should be made aware that the joke is not appropriate. However, the question was in the context of a social gathering and how to handle the situation politely; it is not polite to point out someone’s bad manner
