User:First Year Psychology - Marousha/sandbox

Definition of a backhanded compliment

A backhanded compliment (also: left-handed compliment; stealth insult) is a statement that converts some form of praise in combination with a piece of criticism or a derogatory expression about the recipient’s social status. It is often used as either an insult disguised as a compliment, or as a means of complimenting someone while simultaneously establishing superiority of one’s own status. Backhanded compliments tend to cause confusion in the recipient about whether they are being complimented or reprimanded. This is due to the negative contrast drawn between praise and simultaneous derogation. Although backhanded compliments can be used with intent to genuinely compliment someone, they are often interpreted as insulting or hostile.

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