passive aggressionn.
/ˌpasɪv əˈɡrɛʃn/, U.S. /ˌpæsɪv əˈɡrɛʃ(ə)n/ Originally Psychology.
Non-violent opposition; spec. the expression of anger, hostility, resentment, etc., through indirect means, such as obstructive or uncooperative behaviour.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > hatred > hostility > [noun] > aggressive or uncooperative behaviour
passive aggression1853
attitude1975
attitude problem1977
1853 Amer. Phrenol. Jrnl. Nov. 98/1 Combativeness, Destructiveness, [etc.],..controlled by the Callous Temperament..is an unconquerable combination, which resists alike active provocation or passive aggression.
1932 G. Murphy & F. Jensen Approaches to Personality vi. 215 Whether the child continues in the direction of active aggression (Jung's extroverts) or whether it switches off to passive aggression (Jung's introverts) depends on how much courage it retains.
1999 J. Browne It's Jungle out there, Jane v. 114 The ‘silent treatment’ is the ultimate form of passive aggression.
2008 C. Barber Replacement Child xv. 222 A confrontation would require energy. Passive-aggression just required her to be snarky. And she could be really snarky.
This is a new entry (OED Third Edition, December 2020; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
<
n.1853