Back-handed compliment

Meaning

Praise that also insults.

Usage

Used when calling out fake praise.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

From boxing, where a backhand nearly misses the target.

20th-century critics popularized the term.