backhandedly
In veiled insult
In a backhanded manner—seemingly positive but actually critical or insulting.
A backhanded compliment praises with one hand while slapping with the other: She backhandedly noted how well he'd done "for someone with his background".
The word can also mean indirectly or in a roundabout way.
At a slant
- implicitlyWithout direct expression
- circuitouslyIn a winding manner
- tangentiallyIn a loosely related way
- allusivelyBy subtle reference
elliptically · roundabout · covertly · ambiguously · cryptically · evasively · sideways · subtly
Derisively insinuating
- disparagingExpressing negative judgment
- derogatoryExpressing criticism or disrespect
- belittlingExpressing contempt or dismissiveness
- denigratingCriticizing to damage reputation
deprecating · cutting · barbed · passive-aggressive · put-down · left-handed compliment · slighting · condescending
Deliberately deceptive in nature
- guilefulInclined toward deception
- disingenuousFeigning ignorance or innocence
- deceitfulInclined to mislead others
- misleadingCausing false beliefs
cunning · sly · crafty · devious · underhanded · sneaky · conniving · manipulative
obliquely
At a slant
- implicitlyWithout direct expression
- circuitouslyIn a winding manner
- tangentiallyIn a loosely related way
allusively · elliptically · roundabout · covertly · ambiguously · cryptically · evasively · sideways · subtly · inferentially
snide
Derisively insinuating
- disparagingExpressing negative judgment
- derogatoryExpressing criticism or disrespect
- belittlingExpressing contempt or dismissiveness
denigrating · deprecating · cutting · barbed · passive-aggressive · put-down · left-handed compliment · slighting · condescending · patronizing
duplicitous
Deliberately deceptive in nature
- guilefulInclined toward deception
- disingenuousFeigning ignorance or innocence
- deceitfulInclined to mislead others
misleading · cunning · sly · crafty · devious · underhanded · sneaky · conniving · manipulative · scheming
ironic
Expressing contrary meaning
satirical · facetious · tongue-in-cheek · droll · dry · acerbic · caustic · derisive · biting · wry
backhandedlydirectly
Without intermediary steps
straightforwardly · forthrightly · plainly · openly · bluntly
backhandedlysincerely
With genuine feeling
honestly · genuinely · wholeheartedly · warmly · graciously
- backhanded complimentPraise that subtly insults
- backhanded remarksInsults disguised as praise