I think there are assumptions that come with that sort of thing. Giving a somebody a "ribbing, hard time, etc." requires careful execution. Americans tend to take themselves way too seriously sometimes. I think we generally assume we are being insulted intentionally, which can be true, unless A.) It's expected by the recipient, B.) It's glaringly obvious that the comments are intended in good humor, or C.) ~~The person speaking to you happens to be Don Rickles.~~ The King is Dead. Long Live the King! On the other hand, ridicule is often delivered with insult as the intent. So the assumptions are probably not completely misplaced.