back-handed compliment
Veiled verbal jab
A back-handed compliment is a remark that sounds like praise but contains an insult or criticism: That's pretty good for someone your age, You're so brave to wear that.
The compliment arrives with the back of the hand rather than the palm—a slap disguised as a pat.
Also spelled backhanded compliment.
- insincereFeigning belief or feeling
- remarkSpoken comment or note
- humble bragBoast dressed as complaint
- double-edgedHaving opposite effects
- disingenuousFeigning ignorance or innocence
backhanded remark · passive-aggression · veiled · negging · sarcasm · insinuation · irony · praise · manipulation · disguised · ambiguity · underhanded · confusion · power dynamics · embarrassment · social etiquette · euphemism · double entendre
sincerity of praise
back-handed complimentglowing tribute
rave review · high praise · accolade · kudos · flattery
backed, backing, backward, backwards, backwardness, handed, handing, handily, handedness