Narcissistic Bully Copy Cats and Their Immature Tantrums: Underhanded Tactics of Narcissists





Narcissists are notorious for using manipulation, intimidation, and charm in a cyclical pattern designed to maintain control over others. Beneath their polished exterior lies a toolkit of underhanded tactics that range from childish tantrums to calculated psychological games. Understanding these patterns helps in recognizing and protecting yourself from their toxic influence.

1. Copying and Mimicry

One of the first tactics narcissistic bullies employ is copying or mimicking others. They steal ideas, mirror personalities, and even adopt another person’s achievements as their own. This serves two purposes:

  • To diminish the originality and confidence of their target.

  • To confuse others into believing they are just as talented, insightful, or worthy as the person they are copying.

Over time, this copying often shifts into subtle mockery, with the narcissist using mimicry as a tool for belittlement.

2. Immature Tantrums and Bullying

When their control is challenged, narcissists can quickly regress into childish outbursts. These tantrums may include:

  • Shouting, name-calling, or public humiliation.

  • Pouting, sulking, or withdrawing affection to punish.

  • Explosive “narcissistic rage” intended to intimidate.

This behavior reveals their emotional immaturity: rather than resolving conflict or accepting accountability, they bully others into silence or compliance.

3. Underhanded Tactics of Control

Narcissists rarely confront issues directly. Instead, they prefer covert or manipulative tactics such as:

  • Gaslighting: Twisting facts or outright denying reality to make their victim question their memory or sanity.

  • Triangulation: Drawing others into conflict, often by spreading half-truths or comparing people to one another.

  • Smear Campaigns: Spreading rumors to damage reputations while painting themselves as innocent.

  • Silent Treatment: Withholding communication or affection as a form of punishment and control.

  • Playing the Victim: Shifting blame and portraying themselves as the injured party, often to gain sympathy.

Each of these methods destabilizes their target and secures the narcissist’s upper hand.

4. Sweet-Talking and Love Bombing After Exposure

When narcissists are caught in lies or abusive behavior, they often switch tactics. Instead of admitting fault, they engage in damage control. This phase can look like:

  • Over-the-top apologies.

  • Sudden affection or generosity (“love bombing”).

  • Flattering words and promises of change.

  • Playing victim

  • Narrative shifting

  • Gaslighting

These behaviors are not genuine; they are manipulative strategies designed to reset the cycle and prevent the victim from leaving or holding them accountable.

5. The Cycle of Abuse

The narcissist’s underhanded tactics are not random — they follow a predictable cycle:

  1. Idealization: Love bombing, charm, and mirroring.

  2. Devaluation: Criticism, withdrawal, manipulation, and bullying.

  3. Discard: Abrupt coldness, replacement, or abandonment.

  4. Hoovering: Sweet talk, love bombing, or playing the victim to reestablish control.

This endless loop traps victims in confusion, guilt, and false hope, making it difficult to break free.

Key Takeaway

Narcissistic bullies operate through imitation, manipulation, and emotional games that range from childish tantrums to sophisticated gaslighting. Their tactics are designed not just to control but to erode confidence and self-trust. Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward setting firm boundaries and escaping the destructive cycle.


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