Backhanded compliment

Meaning

A backhanded compliment is a statement that appears to be a compliment but actually has a negative connotation or is meant to belittle the person being praised. It is a way of giving someone a compliment indirectly, often implying that the person is not truly deserving of praise.

Usage

• When his friend complimented him on his sense of style, he replied, "Thanks for the backhanded compliment."
• The manager gave her a promotion but then made a backhanded comment about her work ethic.
• The new employee's colleagues gave him a backhanded compliment on his first day of work.
• When someone compliments your appearance, make sure it's not a backhanded compliment.
• The singer received a standing ovation but then made a backhanded comment about her performance.

Roots and History

The idiom "backhanded compliment" dates back to the 17th century when people used to use indirect ways of expressing their opinions or feelings. It is believed to have originated from the phrase "backhand maneuver," which refers to a way of performing a task with one hand while using the other to do something else, often in order to deceive someone. Over time, this expression evolved to refer to a compliment given indirectly.

Synonyms in English

• Backhanded praise
• Disingenuous compliments
• Insincere praise
• Flattery with a hidden agenda
• Sarcastic compliments

Synonyms in other languages

• French: "Compliment en sous-main" (backhanded compliment in English)
• Spanish: "Elogio condescendiente" (disingenuous praise in English)
• Italian: "Flattery che ha un dubbio" (flattery with a hidden agenda in English)
• German: "Aufgedrehtes Kompliment" (sarcastic compliments in English)
• Dutch: "Zu vrouwevleugelige praatje" (insincere praise in English)

Similar Idioms

• shoot the breeze

• out of hand

• white lie