A backhanded compliment or 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. [1]
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. [2]
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 so handsome; he looks nothing like his dad!"
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 is rotund and needs camouflage to hide her weight; the person appears dumb on the surface; women don't drive well, and therefore any skill at driving is noteworthy; the son's father is unattractive.
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