Being in healthcare I work in a very female-saturated environment. I've struggled with dealing with disrespect from female superiors and coworkers, and you have to beat them at their own game if you want to keep your job and still have some social frame at work.
1.Agree and Amplify
One of the best ways to deal with cvnty comments from females at work. Example: "You need to become more of a morning person. It's really starting to annoy the rest of the world."
Response: "You know what, you're right. I've always admired how you can come in here everyday so full of life and kick ass. What's your secret? Do you get lots of sleep?"
By redirecting the insult into praise on them, you disarm their sarcasm somewhat and soften their negativity towards you. Of course, you don't mean a single word of it. But the key is to LOOK like you really mean it. Give a sincere delivery.
Now, if it's OVERT disrespect, by all means stand up for yourself. But for day-to-day *****y sarcasm, give something so subtly condescending back they have to take it as a compliment.
2.Selective Patronizing
Complimenting women at work can work wonders. The key is you have to be selective about it. You cant just go around kissing ass willy-nilly. Note people's strengths and weaknesses, and deliver an expertly timed compliment when they need it most. Even a random "wow Pam I love that dress" can put you in positive light in a girl's mind, for a while. They'll make your job easier and even give you dirt on other employees.
3.Make sure you are beyond reproach
This is probably the #1 rule for male job security, next to earning the company money. Your side of the street must be CLEAN. Squeaky clean. Dont show up late, dont call in sick unless absolutely necessary, dont break the rules and leave evidence, dont insult other coworkers, dont rock the boat in a bad way, and always leave a trail of evidence of your productivity. There should be NOTHING they could potentially nail you with if they wanted to.
4.Make "friends", but only to grease the wheels of your workflow
Understand that even the best of your work "friends" will turn on you in a second if it means protecting their job. Doubly for women. Make nice with people, be friendly, make jokes, talk about the football games. But dont think some perceived "friendship" is going to insulate you from losing your job.
5.EARN.
Depending on what kind of job you have, of course. For me, every patient I see gets billed and earmarked as Colossus' work. At the end of each month they tally my total production. Bottom line is, if you are bringing in significantly more than they are paying you, you are an asset to them. And as an asset you can get away with much more, and even get special treatment.
6. Never, EVER think you are above losing your job.
Always be at least somewhat concerned you may get fired. Most jobs are at-will, and they can fire your ass with or without a cogent reason. As soon as you start to think you aren't expendable, you are treading on thin ice.