backhanded gift

When you purchase someone a gift that benefits you more than them.

Jim: What did you get Molly for Christmas?
Dave: Celtics tickets!
Jim: Nice! Wait, does she like basketball?
Dave: I dunno, but I do! And it’ll be a “romantic” night out.
Jim: backhanded gift, nice dude.

by bitchpleeeeeease December 26, 2011

backhanded compliment

An insult disguised as a compliment

"No, honey...I love yours. I don't even like them big."
"Relax, sweetie...you were perfectly adequate."
"Your haircut really slims your face."
Since Michael is a pompous prick, I think I'll give him a backhanded compliment.

by Ryan Deerhead September 6, 2006

backhanded compliment

What might at first sound like a compliment but could/should really be taken as an insult when considered in its entirety.

The Republican Senator would never desecrate the holy institution of marriage by voting to allowing gays to wed; just ask his ex.

by Anon April 19, 2005

Backhanded Insult

A compliment couched in the form or tone of an insult. Often used by people who *want* to be nice, but fear being seen as weak or disingenuous, but can be unintentional.

When Maurice told Mary she was "the least photogenic pretty chick" he'd ever seen, he meant that pictures didn't do her beauty justice, but it came off as a backhanded insult.

by PBMax February 24, 2008

Backhanded compliment

is an insult that is disguised as, or accompanied by, a compliment, especially in situations where the belittling or condescension is intentional.

“You’re pretty for a black girl/boy”

“You’re pretty for a trans girl/boy”

This is a backhanded compliment

by prettiestbrowngirl February 17, 2019

Backhanded compliment

When a new acquaintance ends an interaction with a cleverly delivered phrase, leaving you confused about their feelings towards you. Many times a shrewd tactic used by women to get men emotionally invested and intrigued in them.

Off duty paramedic: Well it was nice to meet you Claudia, but I must go now.

Claudia the nurse: Sir, I sincerely hope i never have to deal with you professionally. *Smiles*

Off duty paramedic: Well that's not very... oh I get it! Haha. Take care! *walking away and scratching head*

Claudia the nurse (under her breath): Got um :)

Later on a call

Paramedic: Man, I can't stop thinking about that nurse Claudia from St. Thomas. She schooled me with that backhanded compliment. I'm so confused. Is she attracted to me? That is the question.

Partner: Huh!?! What the hell are you talking about??! This man is in cardiac arrest!! Do something! This is my first shift and you're the senior paramedic here! OMG What do i do?! What do i do!?????

*beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep*

Paramedic: I think i'm gonna call her tonight. Yeah. Definitely gonna call her. Those lips... hmmm. Hey rookie, fill out the incident report will you? *sings* K K K Claudiaaaaaa.. .K K K Claudia... Mmm mmmmm

Partner:.........(shedding tears)

by whatsyourproblemyouremyproblem September 29, 2013

Backhanded Compliment

n. When mom roasts you in the family group text.

Example of Backhanded Compliment:

Hey Sarah—you spelled whoa correctly!!! Yay!!

by Swhalen November 3, 2017