Gags Smile

What is it called when someone laughs when being yelled at?

Isn't there some kind of term used to describe this? When my cousin was being yelled at she would just laugh at what was being said, especially if it was more fierce stuff like curse words or calling her a little bitch for the way she's acting. She also replies with "thank you" to comments like that. What is this called and what can be done to handle her much better when she misbehaves. (she's 13).

Public Comments

1. She's behaving disrespectfully. She's not showing courtesy to the person. It's probably b/c they are yelling at her. It's not effective to yell at kids anyway. They don't listen. Take away privileges. Take away their prized possessions. That should get their attention.
2. She's just defending herself by acting unaffected by you yelling at her. She knows that you want her to back down when you yell, so she's doing the opposite. Yelling isn't the best way to get a point across... you should try talking it out with her.
3. The family needs counseling. Some people laugh as if its a shield against all that is being said. She goes a step further by actually thanking you. She could be a Sociopath who doesn't get what the big fuss is about the deeds they do. She may do this just to infuriate who ever is mad at her. Now if she has spent her life being yelled and cursed at for no real reason than the parents are yellers and screamers she may laugh for her defense to avoid crying or hurt feelings. If she really has a behavioral problem then really the family should be in counseling.
4. Oppositionally defiant
5. Speaking as a doctor and a psychotherapist, you are likely referring to Oppositional Defiant Disorder. This program works wonders for troubled teens and stressed out parents. http://www.squidoo.com/total-transformation