Modern Variations on Themes by Kant and an Essay on the Philosophy of Metaphors Book

My best guess at what philosophy is: ask a bunch of questions, which prompt more questions, and, then, before you make an actual statement, throw in a couple of digressive questions and speculations that question the validity of your statement.
What do you get to learn? How to ask questions.
At any rate, Neu's basic premise is that insults are about power: about wielding or confirming it over someone else or about using insults to save face. He looks at intentional and unintended insults, insults as humor, free speech and hate speech and insults, and more. An interesting read, for sure, and my biggest complaint is his reliance on Freud (theories, anecdotes, etc.) to back up those nebulous assertions he does make.
As I come from a family of teasers--and, as a loser kid who got his share of insults--, I was looking for someway to understand what prompts people to insult each other. The answer is pretty much anything and everything, but even friendly put-downs are about power. Unless they aren't and are just good-natured ribbing. Damn philosophy books!