A
female
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:What does backhanded compliment mean???Someone wrote on a mates wall on FB after someone said "you cant handle her twin, she would ruin you," Then someone wrote a backhanded compliment. Ive never heard of it before, what does it mean? Reply to this Question
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (31 May 2011): it's a subtle sarcastic put down that is worded in such a way that on the surface it appears to be a compliment but when you really think about it, is actually an insult.
it's basically bitchiness or cattiness (but not limited to women by any means) but with more finesse and subtlety and wit.
A
female
reader, maverick494  +, writes (30 May 2011):
A backhanded compliment, also known as a left handed compliment, or asteism is an insult that is disguised as a compliment. Sometimes, a backhanded compliment may be inadvertent. However, the term usually connotes an intent to belittle or condescend.
A backhanded compliment may fool the listener, but the compliment remains "backhanded" because the speaker is being intentionally slighting and insulting. In some cultures, backhanded compliments are considered a genteel or polite way of expressing disdain.
Examples of backhanded compliments include:
- "That dress is lovely; it does wonders for your figure."
- "You're smarter than you look."
- "You drive very well, for a woman."
- "Your son is more handsome than I would have expected."
In each instance, there is an initial compliment: praising a piece of clothing, a person's intellect, a person's driving ability, or a person's looks. However, each instance also includes an implied criticism: the person's figure desperately needs improvement; the person appears unintelligent on the surface; women don't drive well, and therefore any skill at driving is noteworthy; the son's parents are unattractive.
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A
female
reader, GG96 +, writes (30 May 2011):
Its a compliment thats really an insult. For example: wow, it must take alot of courage to wear THOSE shoes or wow, you look good for a fat girl!!
I really couldn't think of good ones, but thats the basic feel of it. Its just an insult disgused as a compliment.
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A
female
reader, babygirllovej  +, writes (30 May 2011):
 Hope this helps. :)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backhanded_compliment
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