A term for this type of language

You could say that is a veiled insult.


I like "innuendo."

Webster's Definition

Related Words


It's called charientism

derived from a Greek word meaning a figure of speech wherein a taunting expression is softened by a jest, an insult veiled in grace (wiki)

Edit: I just found another earlier reference to this form of Rhetoric: it is also referred to as charientismus.

Also commonly referred to as backhanded complement

Another term for this type of backhanded compliment is asteism

polite and ingenious irony (freedictionary.com)