A backhanded compliment is a remark which seems to be an insult but could also be understood as a compliment. A backhanded compliment is also a remark which seems to be a compliment but could also be understoodas an insult.
Then there are the backhanded compliments. For instance: That's an interesting dress.Did you make it?
Saying she's improved comes over as a backhanded compliment.
2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
If you say that someone is doing something in a backhanded way, they are doing it indirectly.
[disapproval]
In a backhanded way, I think a lot of my energy and strength comes from my campaigning.
More Synonyms of backhanded
backhanded in British English
(ˌbækˈhændɪd)
adjective
1.
(of a blow, shot, stroke, etc) performed with the arm moving across the body
2.
double-edged; equivocal
a backhanded compliment
3.
(of handwriting) slanting to the left
4.
(of a rope) twisted in the opposite way to the normal right-handed direction
adverb
5.
in a backhanded manner
Derived forms
backhandedly (ˌbackˈhandedly)
adverb
backhandedness (ˌbackˈhandedness)
noun
backhanded in American English
(ˈbækˌhændɪd)
adjective
1.
backhand
2.
expressing or expressed in an indirect or sarcastic way; not sincere; equivocal
a backhanded compliment
3. Sport
performed by backhanding the ball
a backhanded catch
adverb
4.
with a backhand
Examples of 'backhanded' in a sentence
backhanded
She marched straight up to Cratyn, pulled him out of his chair and delivered a stinging backhanded slap across his face.
Jennifer Fallon TREASON KEEP (2001)
He looked down at it, more puzzled than pained, then struck her a backhanded swipe that had her stumbling back towards the door.
Clive Barker EVERVILLE (2001)
1 (adjective)
Definition
ambiguous or implying criticism
a backhanded compliment
Synonyms
ambiguous
His remarks clarify an ambiguous statement given earlier this week.
ironic
At the most solemn moments he would make an ironic remark.
indirect
sarcastic
She poked fun at people's shortcomings with sarcastic remarks.
oblique
sardonic
a sardonic sense of humour
double-edged
equivocal
Her equivocal response gave nothing away.
with tongue in cheek
2 (adjective)
In a backhanded way, he raises yet another objection.
Synonyms
indirect
Her remarks amounted to an indirect appeal for aid.
rambling
He wrote a rambling letter to his sister.
roundabout
a roundabout route
meandering
a rich and meandering novel
devious
He followed a devious route.
oblique
It was an oblique reference to his time in prison.