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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.
backhanded compliment by Anon April 19, 2005

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

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)

Backhanded Compliment 

n. When mom roasts you in the family group text.
Example of Backhanded Compliment:

Hey Sarah—you spelled whoa correctly!!! Yay!!
Backhanded Compliment by Swhalen November 3, 2017

backhanded compliment 

Any compliment a gay man gives to another gay man. Usually to cause drama.
I can make a fire with some wood and a backhanded compliment.

blackhanded compliment 

A comment made about an African-American that is somehow related to their race and would be mundane/not worth mentioning were they white.
Sen. Joseph Biden (D-DE) made a blackhanded compliment about Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL), saying he is “the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy.”
More from Urban Dictionary

Soul digger

A man who dates women with the sole purpose of exploiting their time, energy, and labor while he sucks the joy and happiness from their lives.
"That guy's a soul digger. He'll expect you to work full time, but you'll be doing all the cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, and childcare while he plays video games or watches TV."
Soul digger by anonymous November 11, 2026
Word of the Day on November 11, 2026
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