passive-aggressive remark
Polite-sounding insult delivered
A passive-aggressive remark expresses hostility indirectly—through implication, false sweetness, or plausible deniability rather than open confrontation.
The speaker can claim innocence while landing a blow: That's a bold choice, I wish I could be as carefree as you about deadlines, No, it's fine, I'll just do it myself.
The aggression hides behind politeness or apparent concern.
- sarcasmIrony used to mock
- snideDerisively insinuating
- backhandedDeceptively unkind praise
- backhanded complimentPraise that subtly insults
- left-handed complimentInsult disguised as praise
jab · dig · underhanded · snark · barb · cutting · veiled · insinuation · just saying · no offense but · subtle · bless your heart · resentful · bitter · if you say so · condescending · patronizing · dismissive
passive-aggressive remarkkind words
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