backhanded compliment {n. phr.}
A remark that sounds like a compliment but is said sarcastically.
"Not bad for a girl" the coach said, offering a backhanded compliment. Categories: {n. phr.}
Latest discussions :: backhanded complimentZarra 2010-04-18 01:34:34
Backhanded compliment origin:
Back-handed is synonymous with left-handed.
For example in tennis, a backhand stroke is a strike by a right-handed player from the left side of the body.
The left side of the body has always been deemed sinister. The Latin word for left is sinister. Hence, back-handed means round-about, indirect, or devious. Reply