left-handed compliment

Definition

A remark that appears to be praise but contains an insult or criticism. The officer evaluation report specialty, where 'performs adequately' means 'please never promote this person.'

Example Usage

Saying he 'consistently met minimum standards' was a real left-handed compliment in his fitness report.

Origin

Historical association of left-handedness with awkwardness or insincerity

Fun Fact

Military evaluation reports have evolved an entire coded language where seemingly positive phrases signal career-ending problems to those who know how to read them.

Source: Military personnel evaluation culture

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