backhanded remarks
Compliments that sting
Backhanded remarks are comments that seem complimentary on the surface but contain criticism or insult underneath: Nice presentation—I'm surprised you pulled it off.
The term comes from the backhand stroke in tennis, suggesting something delivered sideways rather than directly.
Also called backhanded compliments when the format mimics praise.
- sarcasmIrony used to mock
- snideDerisively insinuating
- cuttingDividing via sharp edge
- passive-aggressiveIndirectly expressing resentment
- insultOffensive remark or action
compliment · sugar coated · kill with kindness · sting · subtle · dig · jab · veiled · underhanded · two-faced · barbed · snark · catty · dismissive · condescending · patronizing · slight · insinuation
backhanded remarksstraight talk
Honest, direct communication
constructive criticism · brutal honesty · telling it like it is
backhanded remarksmorale boosters
Things that lift spirits
kind words · affirmations · pep talks · positive reinforcement
backed, backing, backs, backward, backwards, backhand, backhanded, backhandedly, handed