Phrase guide

backhanded compliment

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

An insult disguised as a compliment; a compliment which can be interpreted as an insult.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Compound of backhanded + compliment. Similar figurative uses of backhanded are attested from at least the early 19th century.

Across languages

Translations

7 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • German: vergiftetes Kompliment — insult disguised as a compliment
  • German: zweifelhaftes Kompliment — insult disguised as a compliment
  • German: zweideutiges Kompliment — insult disguised as a compliment
  • Japanese: 褒め殺し (homegoroshi) — insult disguised as a compliment
  • Polish: dwuznaczny komplement — insult disguised as a compliment
  • Spanish: crítica velada — insult disguised as a compliment
  • Thai: หลอกด่า — insult disguised as a compliment