Backhanded compliment

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
* "You're smarter than you look."
* "You drive very well, for a woman."
* "I didn't recognize you; you look so good."
In each instance, there is an initial compliment: praising a person's intellect, a person's driving ability, or a person's looks. However, each instance also includes an implied criticism: the speaker suggests that the person appears unintelligent on the surface; that women don't drive well, and therefore any skill at driving is noteworthy; and that the person at some point looked unattractive.

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