backhanded compliment

(noun) an insult that is supposed to seem like a compliment

Example Sentences:

Louise: Rona, is that you?
Rona: Yes!
Louise: Oh my god, you look fabulous! Did you lose weight!
Rona: Yes, I lost 30 kilos.
Louise: Wow, you look so much better than before. You were so overweight and ugly before, I can’t believe how good you look!
Rona: What a backhanded compliment!

Bob: What do you think of my new girlfriend?
Ted: She’s really nice. You won’t have to worry about other men trying to be with her, because she’s not that attractive. You’re so lucky!
Bob: That’s a backhanded compliment!

From the Blogs:

Iman Gives Backhanded Compliment to Michelle Obama

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