Complimenting a person is one of the fastest ways into their heart. However, delivery matters because as you’re about to see, the line between making someone smile and getting punched in the face can be just a couple of words.
Recently, Redditor u/shamilat made a post on the platform, asking other users: “What’s a compliment and an insult at the same time?” And people immediately started sending in their suggestions.
Whether the phrases were coming from personal experiences or imagination, these one-liners have to be some of the most ambiguous things you can say!
#1
Back in the 1980s, New Zealand’s prime minister said that anyone who chose to emigrate from New Zealand to Australia could be proud that they were raising the average IQ of both countries.
Image source: RedStarRocket91
#2
“You’re really smart for someone with your job” (I’m a professional dogwalker)
Dude, just because I choose to do this work doesn’t mean I couldn’t do something else. I just love this and followed my passion.
Image source: Ammilerasa
#3
Very good for a woman.
Image source: rabidroofrabbit
#4
Awww it’s such a waste you’re a lesbian.
Image source: taeganmaguire84
#5
You’re pretty for an (insert ethnicity) girl.
Image source: addictedtolatte
#6
I always get “Wow, we used to think you were a real b***h but you’re actually really nice!” from friends at some point. It makes me so sad that I’m a naturally shy person around a new group of people. It makes me so self-conscious when I meet new people because I know that line and it’s variants will eventually be said again.
Image source: Spasay
#7
It’s a good thing you’re so pretty.
Image source: ZOMGBabyFoofs
#8
This is amazing! Who helped you cook this?”
Image source: FineUnderachievement
#9
“Oh you’re smarter than you look”
Image source: foreveralonesolo
#10
You’re so brave for wearing that dress.
Image source: Saxonite13
#11
I love when I wear makeup and people say “Did you get a good nights sleep? You don’t look tired today!”
Doesn’t matter how much or how little sleep I get, I always have very dark circles under my eyes. It’s genetic.
So no, I’m not tired… That’s literally just my face.
Image source: badwolfmommy
#12
I got a “you’re looking pretty good for a guy in their 40’s”. Well, thats nice i guess, but I was 35 at the time.
Image source: SaaSMonkey
#13
Such a pretty face, if you would just lose some weight dear…
Image source: Sweethomegirl
#14
“I hope your day is as pleasant as you are.”
Image source: Synli
#15
“You’re very beautiful for your age.” or “I can tell you were beautiful when you were younger.”
Image source: PJmichelle
#16
“I can see that you’re trying.”
(When someone shows you something they worked hard on, and it’s the only positive thing you can think of to say.)
Image source: GingerMau
#17
“You speak English so well.” Yeah, because it’s my native language.
Image source: sydneyrutledge
#18
“Are you twins??? ” Said the cashier to me and my brother… who’s 12 years older than me…
Edit: of course my brother took it as a compliment… that little-
Image source: RandyBoe
#19
“I love how you’ll just wear anything” -John Mulany
Image source: kgottshall
#20
There’s the classic, “I don’t care what they say about you, you’re alright.”
Image source: theleftbuttcheek
#21
Friend of mine in high school got a “compliment” from a teacher, “you’re so pretty for a black girl”
Image source: Sirc909
#22
You’re pretty bright for someone that has (insert any disability here)
Image source: SanchoVillaWNS
#23
Wow you don’t seem autistic at all!
Image source: Daddyssillypuppy
#24
I wish I had the confidence to wear that.
Image source: theemscreation
#25
“You’re the son I never had.”
Thanks, dad.
Image source: copyrider
#26
Your child is so good-looking (or smart). Who did they get that from?
Image source: macaronsforeveryone
#27
“You look so young” isn’t the compliment people think it is. I feel like nobody takes me seriously at first meeting and it’s just pointing out to me that my body never developed much during puberty and digs into my insecurities of looking like a child. Makes me feel like a child and I’ve gotten these comments my whole life. But if I complain I get “relax you’ll appreciate it when you’re older”
Image source: wowguineapigs
#28
I used to be told frequently that I looked like a teenager when I was in my 20s and early 30s. I know they didn’t mean it rude, but I most certainly didn’t want to look 17 while pushing my kid around in a stroller at 30. I remember catching someone looking at me when I was pregnant and I could see the judgement in their eyes so I not so subtly put my left hand on my stomach so the person could see my engagement ring and wedding band.
Image source: dachshundaholic
#29
After sex: “That was better than I expected”
I actually got that one in college.
Image source: wannagosomewhere
#30
You’re one of the good ones. (Refering to race)
Image source: ShowersNeiked
#31
“You look soooo cute in cheap clothes. i could never pull that off omg”
Image source: Flimsy-Recognition91
#32
While walking next to me “Wow I didn’t realize how short you are!” I always reply with it’s because my personality is 10 feet tall!
Image source: LadyCoolJ
#33
“Wow, you smell a lot nicer than usual!”
Image source: Prank_Owl
#34
A nurse to my ex gf— “I really wish I could be as skinny as her!”
I was in the hospital from SMA Syndrome, a thing that happens when you lose so much weight that your intestines close shut.
Good news! If you too are depressed with life and have little desire to eat anything ever, you too can be 70 pounds and get these fabulous curves!
Image source: Fhennerius
#35
“You’re so skinny!! What’s your secret?” An eating disorder, babe.
Image source: scientificallygay838
#36
As someone with curly hair, when I straighten it
“Wow your hair looks so much better straight”
Image source: LapinDeLaNeige
#37
Asian American here.
“Whoa, you don’t have an accent at all!”
Image source: griff1014
#38
Anything that ends with “for you.”
That’s great hat, for you. But its the perfect size, for you.
Image source: _SomeFrigginDude_
#39
Or when being black… “you’re so well spoken”
Image source: Used_Willingness5558
#40
My auntie once said to me: You know, you used to be a bit funny looking as you were growing up but you have turned in to a really handsome chap.
I really didn’t know what to make of that, if I should be happy or offended.
Image source: Island_Monkey86
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