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backhanded compliment

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Definition


A compliment where the subtext is an insult.

Context : Social Life
Category: Idiom
Semantic: insult
Video example (click "CC" to view the text as it is spoken)

Usage of “backhanded compliment”

  1. You look good in those jeans, they make you look slim. (subtext: you are fat).

Examples of idiom “backhanded compliment” from Twitter
  • Default avatar for Twitter user 'ChrisThile'
    ChrisThile:

    "Your best work is behind you. Have you considered golf? I guess that's sort of a backhanded compliment, huh?" I'm paraphrasing, but yes.

  • Default avatar for Twitter user 'JOC3LL3'
    JOC3LL3:

    What exactly did Jordan mean when he said "There are a few Kobe's out there?" I don't get it. Is this a backhanded compliment?

  • Default avatar for Twitter user 'gimpthepimp'
    gimpthepimp:

    Just received the best backhanded compliment ever: 'for being an intern, you don't make me want to puke.'

  • Default avatar for Twitter user 'ArtLabGallery'
    ArtLabGallery:

    @NnnIqbal A backhanded compliment? Or, according to Google, a compliminsult...

  • Default avatar for Twitter user 'johnnyz4282'
    johnnyz4282:

    Randy gives the most backhanded compliment ever, "that was a good Tim performance." #idol

  • Default avatar for Twitter user 'ropeboi'
    ropeboi:

    Received very first non-backhanded compliment from my boxing instructor today: "Nice left hook". :D

  • Default avatar for Twitter user 'sprtstweeter'
    sprtstweeter:

    Coach K said Butler's Heywood will be a good NBA player. Also that he reminds him of Mike Dunleavy. Kind of a backhanded compliment.

  • Default avatar for Twitter user 'Scholarngent'
    Scholarngent:

    got one hell of a backhanded compliment today: "I mean, how hard is it?" ~re the bar exam