BACKHANDED COMPLIMENT Meaning and
Definition
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A backhanded compliment is a type of expression or statement that appears to be complimenting someone, but is actually insincere or contains a hidden insult or criticism. It is a form of subtle negation that combines both praise and subtle belittlement or condescension. The intention behind a backhanded compliment is to undermine the recipient's confidence or provoke a sense of confusion or awkwardness.
The term "backhanded" is derived from the backhand motion used in certain sports, such as tennis, where the player's palm is facing away from their body while striking the ball. Similar to this motion, a backhanded compliment has a contrary or opposing meaning beyond its surface-level appearance.
These types of compliments often contain elements of sarcasm, irony, or a double-edged nature. The person giving the backhanded compliment may use polite or positive words on the surface, but their tone, context, or veiled criticism gives it a negative undertone.
Backhanded compliments can be subtle and require a level of perception to detect the true meaning behind them. They often leave the recipient with mixed feelings, as they may initially feel flattered but eventually realize the underlying insult or criticism.
Overall, a backhanded compliment is an indirect way of delivering a disguised insult or criticism, making it a manipulative and often hurtful form of communication.
Common Misspellings for BACKHANDED COMPLIMENT
- vackhanded compliment
- nackhanded compliment
- hackhanded compliment
- gackhanded compliment
- bzckhanded compliment
- bsckhanded compliment
- bwckhanded compliment
- bqckhanded compliment
- baxkhanded compliment
- bavkhanded compliment
- bafkhanded compliment
- badkhanded compliment
- bacjhanded compliment
- bacmhanded compliment
- baclhanded compliment
- bacohanded compliment
- bacihanded compliment
- backganded compliment
- backbanded compliment
- backnanded compliment
Etymology of BACKHANDED COMPLIMENT
The term "backhanded compliment" is a combination of two words, "backhanded" and "compliment".
The word "backhanded" was originally used in the context of sports, particularly in tennis. A backhand stroke is a type of stroke performed with the back/underside of the hand facing forward, rather than the palm. It is generally considered a more challenging and less powerful stroke compared to a traditional forehand stroke. Over time, the term "backhanded" came to be associated with any action or remark that was indirect, indirectly or subtly critical, or insincere.
The word "compliment" comes from the Latin word "complimentum", meaning "completion" or "fulfillment". It originally referred to the act of completing or paying back a favor. However, over time, it evolved to mean an expression of praise, admiration, or approval.
Idioms with the word BACKHANDED COMPLIMENT
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a backhanded compliment
The idiom "a backhanded compliment" refers to a statement that may sound like a compliment at first, but actually contains a hidden insult or criticism towards the recipient. It is a remark that is intended to appear positive, but subtly undermines or belittles the person being spoken to.
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pay someone a backhanded compliment
The idiom "pay someone a backhanded compliment" refers to the act of making a comment that on the surface appears to be a compliment, but actually contains criticism, sarcasm, or an insult. It is a subtle form of criticism disguised as a positive remark.
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pay a backhanded compliment
The idiom "pay a backhanded compliment" refers to giving someone a compliment that appears to be positive but actually contains criticism, insults, or a hidden insult. It involves praising someone while subtly undermining or insulting them at the same time.
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pay sm a backhanded compliment
The idiom "pay someone a backhanded compliment" refers to the act of offering a supposedly positive comment about someone, but with an underlying intent to criticize or insult them. It is a way of delivering a compliment that ultimately undermines or devalues the person being praised.
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backhanded compliment
A backhanded compliment is a statement that seems like a compliment on the surface but actually contains a subtle insult or criticism. It is a phrase that combines praise with a derogatory or negative aspect, often leaving the recipient feeling confused or offended.
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