If you’ve ever heard someone brag about waking up early with the classic line “The early bird gets the worm,” you know it can feel a bit like a gentle nudge—or a full-on motivational speech. Sometimes, you want to respond in a warm and friendly way, while other times you just want to playfully tease them.
That’s where these 30 funny responses come in. They’re perfect for keeping the conversation light, showing your personality, and expressing yourself with care and humor. Whether you’re a night owl, a casual sleeper, or someone who simply enjoys a good laugh, these responses will help you reply in a fun, relatable way.
1. “I’m not a bird, I’m a human.”
Use this when: someone’s teasing you about sleeping in.
Not to use when: the person is genuinely trying to motivate you.
Other ways to say:
- “I’m not a bird, I’m a person.”
- “I’m not built for sunrise.”
Example:
Friend: “Early bird gets the worm!”
You: “I’m not a bird, I’m a human.”
2. “I’m waiting for the worm to come to me.”
Use this when: you want to sound funny and relaxed.
Not to use when: someone is serious about productivity.
Other ways to say:
- “I’ll just let the worm find me.”
- “I’m not chasing worms today.”
Example:
Friend: “The early bird gets the worm.”
You: “I’m waiting for the worm to come to me.”
3. “I’m not lazy, I’m just conserving energy.”
Use this when: you want a clever reply.
Not to use when: you want to be supportive of someone’s goals.
Other ways to say:
- “I’m saving my energy for later.”
- “I’m in power-saving mode.”
Example:
Friend: “The early bird gets the worm.”
You: “I’m not lazy, I’m just conserving energy.”
4. “I prefer coffee over worms.”
Use this when: you want a witty response.
Not to use when: you’re talking to someone sensitive about food.
Other ways to say:
- “I run on coffee, not worms.”
- “Coffee > worms.”
Example:
Friend: “Early bird gets the worm!”
You: “I prefer coffee over worms.”
5. “I’m waiting for the worm to become a sandwich.”
Use this when: you want to be playful and creative.
Not to use when: someone is trying to be serious.
Other ways to say:
- “I’m waiting for the worm to evolve.”
- “Worms are not my thing.”
Example:
Friend: “The early bird gets the worm.”
You: “I’m waiting for the worm to become a sandwich.”
6. “I’m an owl, not a bird.”
Use this when: you want to tease the early riser.
Not to use when: you’re talking to a serious morning person.
Other ways to say:
- “I’m nocturnal.”
- “I’m a night creature.”
Example:
Friend: “Early bird gets the worm.”
You: “I’m an owl, not a bird.”
7. “I’m waiting for the worm to text me first.”
Use this when: you want a modern and funny response.
Not to use when: the person is annoyed.
Other ways to say:
- “I’m waiting for the worm to DM me.”
- “I’m waiting for the worm to call.”
Example:
Friend: “The early bird gets the worm.”
You: “I’m waiting for the worm to text me first.”
8. “Worms are for breakfast? No thanks.”
Use this when: you want a humorous rejection.
Not to use when: someone is actually offering food.
Other ways to say:
- “I’m not a worm eater.”
- “No worms for me.”
Example:
Friend: “Early bird gets the worm.”
You: “Worms are for breakfast? No thanks.”
9. “I’m waiting for the worm to come with a pizza.”
Use this when: you want a playful twist.
Not to use when: someone is talking about discipline.
Other ways to say:
- “I’ll wake up for pizza.”
- “I only wake up for food.”
Example:
Friend: “The early bird gets the worm.”
You: “I’m waiting for the worm to come with a pizza.”
10. “I’m not late, I’m just fashionably delayed.”
Use this when: you want to sound confident.
Not to use when: it’s a serious meeting.
Other ways to say:
- “I’m arriving in style.”
- “I’m on my own schedule.”
Example:
Friend: “The early bird gets the worm.”
You: “I’m not late, I’m just fashionably delayed.”
11. “I’m still on yesterday’s schedule.”
Use this when: you want a funny excuse.
Not to use when: someone is trying to motivate you.
Other ways to say:
- “I’m living in the past.”
- “I’m on yesterday mode.”
Example:
Friend: “Early bird gets the worm.”
You: “I’m still on yesterday’s schedule.”
12. “Worms are overrated.”
Use this when: you want a simple funny reply.
Not to use when: someone loves motivational quotes.
Other ways to say:
- “Worms are not my thing.”
- “I don’t like worms.”
Example:
Friend: “The early bird gets the worm.”
You: “Worms are overrated.”
13. “I’m a late bird, I get the dessert.”
Use this when: you want a confident comeback.
Not to use when: someone is serious about health.
Other ways to say:
- “Late bird gets the cake.”
- “I wake up for dessert.”
Example:
Friend: “Early bird gets the worm.”
You: “I’m a late bird, I get the dessert.”
14. “I’m not late, I’m just waking up to my full potential.”
Use this when: you want a motivational joke.
Not to use when: someone is tired of jokes.
Other ways to say:
- “I’m unlocking my potential.”
- “I’m leveling up.”
Example:
Friend: “The early bird gets the worm.”
You: “I’m not late, I’m just waking up to my full potential.”
15. “I don’t want worms. I want sleep.”
Use this when: you want to show your priorities.
Not to use when: someone is being kind.
Other ways to say:
- “Sleep is my priority.”
- “I’m choosing rest.”
Example:
Friend: “Early bird gets the worm.”
You: “I don’t want worms. I want sleep.”
16. “I’m still recovering from last night.”
Use this when: you want a funny and relatable response.
Not to use when: you’re in a professional environment.
Other ways to say:
- “I’m still recharging.”
- “I’m in recovery mode.”
Example:
Friend: “The early bird gets the worm.”
You: “I’m still recovering from last night.”
17. “I don’t need worms. I have Wi-Fi.”
Use this when: you want a modern funny response.
Not to use when: someone is serious about goals.
Other ways to say:
- “I’m powered by Wi-Fi.”
- “Wi-Fi is my worm.”
Example:
Friend: “The early bird gets the worm.”
You: “I don’t need worms. I have Wi-Fi.”
18. “I’m not a morning person, I’m a coffee person.”
Use this when: you want a classic response.
Not to use when: someone is promoting health.
Other ways to say:
- “Coffee is my sunrise.”
- “I wake up for coffee.”
Example:
Friend: “Early bird gets the worm.”
You: “I’m not a morning person, I’m a coffee person.”
19. “I’m just here for the naps.”
Use this when: you want to keep it funny and honest.
Not to use when: you’re in a serious conversation.
Other ways to say:
- “Naps are my thing.”
- “I’m a nap enthusiast.”
Example:
Friend: “The early bird gets the worm.”
You: “I’m just here for the naps.”
20. “I prefer the worm to come after lunch.”
Use this when: you want a funny and calm reply.
Not to use when: someone is trying to encourage you.
Other ways to say:
- “Later is better.”
- “I like things at my pace.”
Example:
Friend: “The early bird gets the worm.”
You: “I prefer the worm to come after lunch.”
21. “I’m not a bird, I’m a professional sleeper.”
Use this when: you want to sound playful.
Not to use when: you want to be taken seriously.
Other ways to say:
- “I’m a sleep specialist.”
- “I’m a nap expert.”
Example:
Friend: “Early bird gets the worm.”
You: “I’m not a bird, I’m a professional sleeper.”
22. “I’m saving my energy for tomorrow.”
Use this when: you want a calm response.
Not to use when: someone is encouraging you to act now.
Other ways to say:
- “Tomorrow is my day.”
- “I’m planning ahead.”
Example:
Friend: “The early bird gets the worm.”
You: “I’m saving my energy for tomorrow.”
23. “Worms are gross. I’ll pass.”
Use this when: you want a simple joke.
Not to use when: someone is offering you something kind.
Other ways to say:
- “No thanks, worms aren’t for me.”
- “I’ll skip the worms.”
Example:
Friend: “The early bird gets the worm.”
You: “Worms are gross. I’ll pass.”
24. “I’m allergic to worms.”
Use this when: you want to be dramatic and funny.
Not to use when: someone is serious.
Other ways to say:
- “Worms trigger me.”
- “I can’t handle worms.”
Example:
Friend: “Early bird gets the worm.”
You: “I’m allergic to worms.”
25. “I’m a night owl, not an early bird.”
Use this when: you want a simple truth with humor.
Not to use when: you want to be motivating.
Other ways to say:
- “I’m nocturnal.”
- “Night is my time.”
Example:
Friend: “The early bird gets the worm.”
You: “I’m a night owl, not an early bird.”
26. “I wake up when the world is quiet.”
Use this when: you want a peaceful response.
Not to use when: someone is teasing you.
Other ways to say:
- “I wake up when it’s calm.”
- “I like the quiet mornings.”
Example:
Friend: “The early bird gets the worm.”
You: “I wake up when the world is quiet.”
27. “I’m not late, I’m on my own timeline.”
Use this when: you want confidence and humor.
Not to use when: you’re in a professional meeting.
Other ways to say:
- “I follow my own schedule.”
- “I’m on my own clock.”
Example:
Friend: “The early bird gets the worm.”
You: “I’m not late, I’m on my own timeline.”
28. “I’m still dreaming about the worm.”
Use this when: you want a cute and funny reply.
Not to use when: you want to be serious.
Other ways to say:
- “I’m still in dream mode.”
- “I’m not fully awake yet.”
Example:
Friend: “The early bird gets the worm.”
You: “I’m still dreaming about the worm.”
29. “I’m waiting for the worm to offer a better deal.”
Use this when: you want a playful and clever response.
Not to use when: someone is trying to encourage you.
Other ways to say:
- “I want a better offer.”
- “I’m negotiating with the worm.”
Example:
Friend: “Early bird gets the worm.”
You: “I’m waiting for the worm to offer a better deal.”
30. “I’m not early, I’m just on my own schedule.”
Use this when: you want a calm and confident response.
Not to use when: someone is serious about productivity.
Other ways to say:
- “I live by my own clock.”
- “I do things at my pace.”
Example:
Friend: “The early bird gets the worm.”
You: “I’m not early, I’m just on my own schedule.”
Why People Pick These Responses
These responses are popular because they help you communicate with warmth and humor, without being rude or dismissive. They also give you a way to express your personality—whether you’re a night owl, a sleep lover, or someone who simply likes to laugh.
Most importantly, these replies are gentle and thoughtful, helping you respond in a way that feels natural and friendly. The key is to keep the tone light and avoid sounding defensive or negative.
