Backhanded Complimenting: The Art of Sincere Insincerity

When you want to compliment someone without actually complimenting them, follow these expert tips:

• Start with a backhanded compliment that's almost, but not quite, a real compliment. For example: "Your hair looks... interesting today."
• Use a phrase that's so vague, it's like you're trying to hide behind a cloud: "You look really great, I guess."
• Pile on the flattery, but with a side of subtle condescension: "You're really good at this, but you're not as good as I am."
• Say it with a wink and a whisper, so the other person can pretend they didn't hear you: "Between you and me, you're not half bad."

Subpage 1: The Fine Art of Saying Nothing Subpage 2: The Backhanded Way to Give Constructive Criticism