Backhanded

Pronunciation: /ˈbækˌhændɪd/

Backhanded (adjective)

  1. seeming to praise someone but actually criticizing them.
  2. done with the back of the hand facing forward.

Examples

  • Her backhanded compliment left him feeling confused.
  • He gave a backhanded compliment that sounded more like an insult.

Common collocations: backhanded compliment, give a backhanded compliment, backhanded stroke, execute a backhanded shot, backhanded swing

Synonyms of Backhanded

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Antonyms of Backhanded

  • — when describing straightforward communication
  • — when describing genuine feelings or actions