passive aggressive

A defense mechanism that allows people who aren't comfortable being openly aggressive get what they want under the guise of still trying to please others. They want their way, but they also want everyone to still like them.

Jane: It's time to go, we really should get going now.

Passive Aggressive Ann: Oh...okay. I just...well okay, I GUESS we can leave now.

Jane: Ann, do you want to stay? Is that what you're trying to get at?

Passive Aggressive Ann: Huh? Oh no, we can leave if YOU want. I just didn't get to do everything I wanted to do yet, but no no, we can go I guess.

Jane: God dammit Ann! Fine, we'll stay, are you happy?

Passive Aggressive Ann: Oh okay! Yeah! That sounds great too!
(Ann got her way without having to openly ask for it)

by Miltonation March 15, 2008

passive aggressive

The term "passive-aggressive" was introduced in a 1945 U.S. War Department technical bulletin, describing soldiers who weren't openly insubordinate but shirked duty through procrastination, willful incompetence, and so on.

While everyone thought the young man was just dumb, the fact is he was merely being passive aggressive so he wouldn't have to do all of the work.

by Signmeup November 13, 2006

passive aggressive

Showing disrespect towards others by way of lack of action or supposed forgetfulness.

Jim was downright passive aggressive towards Pete by "forgetting" to pay off his debt.

by Blindy's Voice of Reason July 26, 2005

passive aggressive

appearing indifferent, uninterested, or in support of an act before it happens but outwardly opposing and attacking it once it has occurred.

Me: hey baby do you mind if I roll out with my boys tonight?
You: I don't care. (but all your shit will be on the sidewalk when you get back)
Me: You're so cute when you are all passive aggressive like that. I love you.

by Greakan October 13, 2008

passive aggressive

Personality disorder now dismissed by psychiatrists but a popular term with people who have to label other people. Being verbally helpful but unhelpful in action.

Brian said that he would happily wash my windows, but instead he just spit on them and wiped it with his sleeve, a week late.

by Ben September 3, 2004

passive aggressive

Girl Mad

Any girl is passive aggressive when she says "I'm Not Mad", etc.

by Foster S. Chaos August 16, 2008

Passive Aggressive

When you want to negatively affect someone without violence.

A told bad jokes to B so B curses at A and gets I trouble A was being passive aggressive

by The BoSS of bosses of bosses May 26, 2017