Backhanded compliment

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A backhanded compliment or left-handed compliment is an insult disguised as a compliment. It is generally used to belittle or condescend, or often one uses a backhanded compliment when one wants to insult someone in a subtle way. An example of a backhanded compliment would be to tell a woman "I very much like your dress. It does wonders for your figure." In doing so it would seem on the surface that one is complimenting the woman's choice in clothing, and perhaps even her figure, but upon ponderance it is clear that what one is saying is that the woman's figure is unattractive and needs assistance from a garment in order to be improved. In this fashion one has not complimented the woman, but in fact the garment's ability to slenderize.

Sometimes a backhanded compliment can be more obvious, combining an obvious compliment with an equally obvious insult. It could be argued that this is a less skillful execution of the technique. One might for instance say "You are an excellent artist, which is a relief considering what a poor cook you are!" In this fashion no part of the intent has been veiled, yet the insult may still be softened enough to make the entire statement seem like a compliment.

[edit] External links

• That's a compliment? Collection of six backhanded compliments by blogger Pretty Pear