The BIG difference is that Linus says something (or some action) was stupid. He doesn't say you are stupid.
He doesn't call people morons.
Besides which, he's just about always right. That helps.
So often the insulter merely doesn't understand the insultee's question or position or perspective.
Besides which, he's just about always right. That helps. So often the insulter merely doesn't understand the insultee's question or position or perspective.