Where do we as Management Consultants hone our cynical, sneering humour ?Is it an internal admission of failure at having to work godforsaken hours ?Was is something our parents did ?Maybe that first shocking revelation of what the manager, director, partner REALLY saw us as ?A huge amount of ego driving a self-proclamation of superiority ?Answers on an excel spreadsheet / powerpoint please. By yesterday.

They say there is usually truth in humour.I'd say all of your reasons are valid.I think for most of us the main reason is that this is a very, VERY frustrating business most of the time - for so, so many reasons. For many of us, our sharp tongue (not that we would ever be like this in 'real life' for most of us have no spine and certainly have more sense...) is a way of venting anger and frustration in a way that prevents us going bonkers and flipping out when things don't go our own way.Basically, we're a function of the world in which we live. And this crazy, crazy world results in people saying crazy, crazy things.

I do indeed bow to your insightful observations here.... In fact there is a direct correlation between the more senior and formal the gathering to the craziness of the comments... I've heard better sense amongst a bunch of interns after a heavy drinking session than at some of the most 'strategic' boards...