User:Anna.E.Lang/sandbox

Addition to Definition
Another term for "backhanded" would be "left-handed" because the left side was always considered to be connected with devious or sinister deeds. The word "sinister" is originally Latin and means "left". The meaning of "backhanded compliment" or "left-handed compliment" would therefore be "sinister compliment".

Examples of backhanded compliments
Here are some examples of backhanded compliments:

“Your ideas were good… for an intern.”

"I didn't expect you to get the job — Congratulations!"

"You're so independent — It's no wonder you haven't found anyone yet."

"I love how you don't care how you come across."

"You're amazing for going back to work. I could never let a stranger watch my kids!"

Consequences of backhanded compliments
Originally, compliments are used to increase one’s likeability which is due to a strong drive for self-enhancement in humans. The recipients of compliments usually accept them and feel good about themselves since they give them a sense of validation as a person. While giving compliments can earn one more likeability, it does have its downside. It has been argued that when giving a compliment one presents themselves as being inferior to the recipient which might damage one’s status and leads to downward comparison by the recipient. This presents a problem because based on the self-enhancement we want to gain both, likeability and status. Backhanded compliments seem to be the answer, at least at first glance. However, it turns out that backhanded compliments have quite some negative consequences for both recipients and the compliment-giver.

Consequences for the compliment-giver
The aim of the backhanded compliment-giver is to increase one’s likeability and also to convey their own status. Compared to traditional compliment-givers and the recipient of the backhanded compliments, the backhanded-compliment givers are more likely to be less likeable and less likely to be promoted. Furthermore, they are not only perceived as less likeable but also less interpersonally attractive, less competent and less warm.

Consequences for recipient
On the other hand, there is also the recipient of the backhanded compliment. Empirical research suggests that backhanded compliments reduce positive emotions, motivation for the recipient and are perceived as more offensive than traditional compliments. Also, backhanded compliments invoked more social comparison than traditional compliments. Moreover, recipients of a backhanded compliment rated their creativity and their ability lower than recipients of a traditional compliment.

All in all, due to the mentioned negative consequences backhanded complimentes have, it appears to be more similar to an actual insult than a compliment.