left-handed compliment

Praise that stings

A left-handed compliment is praise that contains an insult or slight, whether intentional or not: She said I looked great "for my age"—a left-handed compliment if I ever heard one.

The dig may be buried in the phrasing or implied by context.

Also called a backhanded compliment.

insult

slight

Minor or thin

disparagementCriticism meant to diminish
put-downDisparaging remark
belittlementVerbal diminishing of worth

snub · insinuation · sugar-coated barb

backhanded

double-edged

Having opposite effects

passive-aggressiveIndirectly expressing resentment
snideDerisively insinuating
underhandedSecretly dishonest or unfair

insincere · patronizing · condescending · disingenuous

tone

sarcastic

Mockingly insincere in tone

ironicExpressing contrary meaning
mockingScornfully imitating or ridiculing
sardonicGrimly mocking

dry · cutting · biting · acerbic · wry · caustic · pointed · stinging · sharp-tongued · barbed

Categories

snarksarcasm, snark, jab, barb, dig
Left-handednessleft hand, lefty, southpaw, sinistral, cross-dominance

Opposites

sincerity of praise

left-handed complimentaccolade

Expression of high esteem

tribute · commendation · glowing tribute · kudos · glowing review

directness of criticism

left-handed complimentunvarnished truth

Reality stated without softening

directness of communication

left-handed complimentstraight talk

Honest, direct communication

Family

handed, compliment, leftward, leftwards, leftmost, handily, handedness, handle, compliments

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