Self-burn. Those are rare.

[millougriega]

There is a phrase in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, "The Party", Season 1 , Episode 16 at about 2.50 of the episode.

There is a dialogue between Amy and Jake:

Amy: “In high school, I was voted Most Appropriate.”
Jake: “Ooh, self-burn! Those are rare!”

Ι can't understand what Jake means with that phrase. Can anyone explain it to me?

 

[PaulQ]

A burn = the action of saying something that heavily criticizes or embarrasses someone.

self-burn -> as above, but in which one criticizes/embarrasses oneself.

Jake: “Ooh, self-burn! Those are rare!”

 

[Barque]

self-burn -> as above, but in which one criticizes/embarrasses oneself.

Amy wasn't criticising herself but referring to an accolade she received. So to make sure the OP has understood, perhaps you mean that Jake's comment was sarcastic?

 

[PaulQ]

Just so - Jake is taking "Miss Appropriate" as either a worthless title or "consolation prize", or hinting at a double-entendre of some sort. But in the broader sense, self criticism is a "self-burn".

 

[millougriega]

Yes, Jake's comment is sarcastic. The context is that their boss gives them instructions about how to behave as adults and appropriately at a party. Amy believes that he shouldn't give her advice because she is always appropriate and Jake is being sarcastic about what she said