How to give someone a backhanded compliment

Backhanded Compliment -
A compliment that implies it is not really a compliment at all.

See also:

How to give a compliment

Backhanded compliments sources: The Typeset

A List of Backhanded Compliments

Backhanded Compliment

You look so much nicer than usual!

You look comfortable.

Oh what a lovely sweater. My grandma has one just like it.

You’re so lucky you’re pretty.

You’re lucky to have those curves.

You have such an interesting style.

You look fantastic! You didn’t need to go to all that trouble!

You look so much better/healthier now!

You should get addicted to heroin, I think it'd really suit you.

I bet you were in great shape when you were younger.

It's not that I hate you, I haven't as yet, found a reason to like you.

I hope your day is as pleasant as you are.

"Relax, sweetie...you were perfectly adequate."

"Your haircut really slims your face.

I always feel more intelligent after reading your work.

It’s really difficult to underestimate you.

Your haircut makes your nose look smaller.

You look really nice in this light.

That’s a beautiful photo of you. I didn’t recognize you at first.

You’re not as dumb as you look.

I love how you just don’t care what anyone thinks of you.

I don’t care what others say about you. You’re alright in my book.

Your Instagram makes you seem so fun!

I didn’t expect you to get the job - Congratulations!

I wish I was as relaxed as you are about messiness.

You’re so charming when you make an effort.

Those earrings are so nice. My grandma would love them.

Your house feels so cozy and lived in.

Well, that’s a level of incompetence I’ve never seen before.

You’re pretty… on the inside.

That’s not the ugliest shirt I’ve seen you wear.

You might not be the prettiest, but you’re definitely the funniest!

You clean up nice.

You’re smarter than two dumb guys.

You should get addicted to heroin, I think it'd really suit you.

I bet you were in great shape when you were younger.

It's not that I hate you, I haven't as yet, found a reason to like you.

I hope your day is as pleasant as you are.

"Relax, sweetie...you were perfectly adequate."

"Your haircut really slims your face.

I always feel more intelligent after reading your work.

It’s really difficult to underestimate you.

Your haircut makes your nose look smaller.

You look really nice in this light.

That’s a beautiful photo of you. I didn’t recognize you at first.

You’re not as dumb as you look.

I love how you just don’t care what anyone thinks of you.

I don’t care what others say about you. You’re alright in my book.

Your Instagram makes you seem so fun!

I didn’t expect you to get the job - Congratulations!

I wish I was as relaxed as you are about messiness.

You’re so charming when you make an effort.

Those earrings are so nice. My grandma would love them.

Your house feels so cozy and lived in.

Well, that’s a level of incompetence I’ve never seen before.

You’re pretty… on the inside.

That’s not the ugliest shirt I’ve seen you wear.

You might not be the prettiest, but you’re definitely the funniest!

You clean up nice.

You’re smarter than two dumb guys.

I always feel more intelligent after reading your work.

It's really difficult to underestimate you.

That's a great photo of you - I didn't even recognize you!

If you keep working hard I’m sure someday you’ll be at the top of the bell curve.

I truly love how you just don’t care what others think. That takes a confident person!

Have you ever had someone compliment you, and then a second later, you think, "wait, did they just insult me? " You may have received a backhanded compliment. If you've received one, then you may not know how to respond. If you've ever wondered how to respond to a backhanded compliment, then keep reading this article.

Backhanded Compliment: How Do You Reply to These Insults?

https://business.tutsplus.com/tutorials/backhanded-compliment-how-to-reply--cms-40081

Talking Points for Life

How to give someone a backhanded compliment

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