Word for “innocently” directing attention to damaging information
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An example to clarify:
Say John made a drunken fool of himself at the office party, which not everyone attended. On Monday, at the company lunch, Mike says publicly, with feigned sincerity, "John, I just want to let you know, we've all been there, and there's no reason to be embarrassed today." With this, even the absentees will inquire what happened, and the story will be retold.
There ingredients here are:
- Mike's intention was to highlight the episode with the aim of further humiliating John
- Mike's literal statement is the opposite of his intention, since intentionally embarrassing John would make him look bad
- Merely saying the thing is enough to accomplish goal 1. That is, what's important is directing people's attention to the subject.
Is there a word to describe this specific type of underhanded statement? Either a verb as in "Mike ____ John by pretending to comfort him at lunch". Or a noun as in "Mike's comforting John at lunch was an expertly executed ____"
Some clarifying notes
I'm after something far more specific than irony or misdirection. I'm really looking to name a specific social tactic for "innocently" directing attention to damaging information
single-word-requests
asked Jun 21 '17 at 18:58
Jonah
22717
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show 8 more comments
up vote
0
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An example to clarify:
Say John made a drunken fool of himself at the office party, which not everyone attended. On Monday, at the company lunch, Mike says publicly, with feigned sincerity, "John, I just want to let you know, we've all been there, and there's no reason to be embarrassed today." With this, even the absentees will inquire what happened, and the story will be retold.
There ingredients here are:
- Mike's intention was to highlight the episode with the aim of further humiliating John
- Mike's literal statement is the opposite of his intention, since intentionally embarrassing John would make him look bad
- Merely saying the thing is enough to accomplish goal 1. That is, what's important is directing people's attention to the subject.
Is there a word to describe this specific type of underhanded statement? Either a verb as in "Mike ____ John by pretending to comfort him at lunch". Or a noun as in "Mike's comforting John at lunch was an expertly executed ____"
Some clarifying notes
I'm after something far more specific than irony or misdirection. I'm really looking to name a specific social tactic for "innocently" directing attention to damaging information
single-word-requests
asked Jun 21 '17 at 18:58
Jonah
22717
How about misdirected?
– Steve Lovell
Jun 21 '17 at 19:05
while that could be used here, I am looking for something more specific
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:08
Another possibility is undermined.
– Steve Lovell
Jun 21 '17 at 19:10
1
The guise of innocence suggests 'disingenuous' to me, although it's a little bit of a stretch.
– user888379
Jun 21 '17 at 19:55
1
Seems to me the concept of passive-aggression is also nearby.
– Steve Lovell
Jun 21 '17 at 21:41
|
show 8 more comments
up vote
0
down vote
favorite
up vote
0
down vote
favorite
An example to clarify:
Say John made a drunken fool of himself at the office party, which not everyone attended. On Monday, at the company lunch, Mike says publicly, with feigned sincerity, "John, I just want to let you know, we've all been there, and there's no reason to be embarrassed today." With this, even the absentees will inquire what happened, and the story will be retold.
There ingredients here are:
- Mike's intention was to highlight the episode with the aim of further humiliating John
- Mike's literal statement is the opposite of his intention, since intentionally embarrassing John would make him look bad
- Merely saying the thing is enough to accomplish goal 1. That is, what's important is directing people's attention to the subject.
Is there a word to describe this specific type of underhanded statement? Either a verb as in "Mike ____ John by pretending to comfort him at lunch". Or a noun as in "Mike's comforting John at lunch was an expertly executed ____"
Some clarifying notes
I'm after something far more specific than irony or misdirection. I'm really looking to name a specific social tactic for "innocently" directing attention to damaging information
single-word-requests
asked Jun 21 '17 at 18:58
Jonah
22717
An example to clarify:
Say John made a drunken fool of himself at the office party, which not everyone attended. On Monday, at the company lunch, Mike says publicly, with feigned sincerity, "John, I just want to let you know, we've all been there, and there's no reason to be embarrassed today." With this, even the absentees will inquire what happened, and the story will be retold.
There ingredients here are:
- Mike's intention was to highlight the episode with the aim of further humiliating John
- Mike's literal statement is the opposite of his intention, since intentionally embarrassing John would make him look bad
- Merely saying the thing is enough to accomplish goal 1. That is, what's important is directing people's attention to the subject.
Is there a word to describe this specific type of underhanded statement? Either a verb as in "Mike ____ John by pretending to comfort him at lunch". Or a noun as in "Mike's comforting John at lunch was an expertly executed ____"
Some clarifying notes
I'm after something far more specific than irony or misdirection. I'm really looking to name a specific social tactic for "innocently" directing attention to damaging information
single-word-requests
single-word-requests
asked Jun 21 '17 at 18:58
Jonah
22717
asked Jun 21 '17 at 18:58
Jonah
22717
edited Jun 21 '17 at 19:32
asked Jun 21 '17 at 18:58
Jonah
22717
asked Jun 21 '17 at 18:58
Jonah
22717
asked Jun 21 '17 at 18:58
Jonah
22717
22717
How about misdirected?
– Steve Lovell
Jun 21 '17 at 19:05
while that could be used here, I am looking for something more specific
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:08
Another possibility is undermined.
– Steve Lovell
Jun 21 '17 at 19:10
1
The guise of innocence suggests 'disingenuous' to me, although it's a little bit of a stretch.
– user888379
Jun 21 '17 at 19:55
1
Seems to me the concept of passive-aggression is also nearby.
– Steve Lovell
Jun 21 '17 at 21:41
|
show 8 more comments
How about misdirected?
– Steve Lovell
Jun 21 '17 at 19:05
while that could be used here, I am looking for something more specific
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:08
Another possibility is undermined.
– Steve Lovell
Jun 21 '17 at 19:10
1
The guise of innocence suggests 'disingenuous' to me, although it's a little bit of a stretch.
– user888379
Jun 21 '17 at 19:55
1
Seems to me the concept of passive-aggression is also nearby.
– Steve Lovell
Jun 21 '17 at 21:41
How about misdirected?
– Steve Lovell
Jun 21 '17 at 19:05
How about misdirected?
– Steve Lovell
Jun 21 '17 at 19:05
while that could be used here, I am looking for something more specific
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:08
while that could be used here, I am looking for something more specific
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:08
Another possibility is undermined.
– Steve Lovell
Jun 21 '17 at 19:10
Another possibility is undermined.
– Steve Lovell
Jun 21 '17 at 19:10
1
1
The guise of innocence suggests 'disingenuous' to me, although it's a little bit of a stretch.
– user888379
Jun 21 '17 at 19:55
The guise of innocence suggests 'disingenuous' to me, although it's a little bit of a stretch.
– user888379
Jun 21 '17 at 19:55
1
1
Seems to me the concept of passive-aggression is also nearby.
– Steve Lovell
Jun 21 '17 at 21:41
Seems to me the concept of passive-aggression is also nearby.
– Steve Lovell
Jun 21 '17 at 21:41
|
show 8 more comments
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
up vote
2
down vote
accepted
Although I'm not entirely sure it fits your example, this sounds similar to me to the concept of "paralipsis": drawing attention to something by saying that you will not mention it. The Wikipedia article on "Apophasis" mentions a few synonyms, and also gives various examples which show that depending on the context, the actual intention of the speaker may be fairly transparent (that is, someone employing paralipsis is not always trying to be perceived as sincere; the goal might just be to establish some minimum level of "plausible deniability").
Specifically, I think that saying "there's no reason to be embarrassed" could be interpreted as a "paraliptic" way of communicating that there is reason for John to be embarrassed.
"Paralipsis" has been mentioned in the answers to various other questions on this site, such as "I'm happy to see that you are sober as a judge" Is this a rhetorical device?
answered yesterday
sumelic
44.4k7105206
This is it. Thank you.
– Jonah
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
It's close to a 'back-handed' compliment -
an insult that is disguised as, or accompanied by, a compliment, especially in situations where the belittling or condescension is intentional.
answered Jun 21 '17 at 19:32
Walter Bellhaven
809146
This is the best answer so far. Although in this case it's back-handed charity, or just a back-handed statement.
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:35
1
@Jonah It's also just a synonym of the word within your question, that is, underhanded (statement).
– NVZ
Jun 21 '17 at 19:36
True. And that's a fine word for it. I posted with the hope of finding a truly specific word for this situation, though.
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:37
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
Without a source to quote, I'd suggest the phrase poisonously sweet, except that I've only seen the phrase applied to women.
It is not, exactly, ironic, since Mike's statement is not intended directly to convey the opposite of its surface meaning, but rather to provoke a social response which is intended to embarrass John despite the professed intent.
answered Jun 21 '17 at 21:28
WhatRoughBeast
7,8171124
I like it. Other variations like "poisonously helpful" could answer the concern about typically attaching to women.
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 21:29
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
I can think of schadenfreude, which, according to Merriam-Webster, is a noun that means "enjoyment obtained from the troubles of others".
answered Jun 21 '17 at 19:12
Jonas
32517
this does not at all meet the requirements i listed. indeed, you can feel shadenfreude without saying anything
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:14
Perhaps "taunt" would be appropriate.
– Jonas
Jun 21 '17 at 19:16
quite the opposite. when taunting, you publicly embrace your intention to humiliate. here you are cloaking it
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:19
Insinuate, perhaps. As in "an insinuating smile".
– Jonas
Jun 21 '17 at 20:24
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
In general it is irony ("The use of words to express something different from and often opposite to their literal meaning." American Heritage).
If said with intention to hurt, it becomes sarcasm ("A cutting, often ironic remark intended to express contempt or ridicule" Ibid.).
See also What are the similarities and differences between "irony" and "sarcasm"?
answered Jun 21 '17 at 19:21
fralau
1,454214
These words are related to, but are much broader than, what I'm looking for. Also, importantly, when you are being ironic you (nearly always, at least for part of the audience) intend for others to apprehend your irony. In this situation, Mike wants to be perceived as sincere. I'm really looking to name a certain kind of specific social tactic for "innocently" directing attention to damaging information.
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:28
2
Do you mean that person appears to be sincere but they aren't? That would definitely be an insidious manoeuver ("Working or spreading harmfully in a subtle or stealthy manner" American Heritage)
– fralau
Jun 21 '17 at 19:37
add a comment |
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
2
down vote
accepted
Although I'm not entirely sure it fits your example, this sounds similar to me to the concept of "paralipsis": drawing attention to something by saying that you will not mention it. The Wikipedia article on "Apophasis" mentions a few synonyms, and also gives various examples which show that depending on the context, the actual intention of the speaker may be fairly transparent (that is, someone employing paralipsis is not always trying to be perceived as sincere; the goal might just be to establish some minimum level of "plausible deniability").
Specifically, I think that saying "there's no reason to be embarrassed" could be interpreted as a "paraliptic" way of communicating that there is reason for John to be embarrassed.
"Paralipsis" has been mentioned in the answers to various other questions on this site, such as "I'm happy to see that you are sober as a judge" Is this a rhetorical device?
answered yesterday
sumelic
44.4k7105206
This is it. Thank you.
– Jonah
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
accepted
Although I'm not entirely sure it fits your example, this sounds similar to me to the concept of "paralipsis": drawing attention to something by saying that you will not mention it. The Wikipedia article on "Apophasis" mentions a few synonyms, and also gives various examples which show that depending on the context, the actual intention of the speaker may be fairly transparent (that is, someone employing paralipsis is not always trying to be perceived as sincere; the goal might just be to establish some minimum level of "plausible deniability").
Specifically, I think that saying "there's no reason to be embarrassed" could be interpreted as a "paraliptic" way of communicating that there is reason for John to be embarrassed.
"Paralipsis" has been mentioned in the answers to various other questions on this site, such as "I'm happy to see that you are sober as a judge" Is this a rhetorical device?
answered yesterday
sumelic
44.4k7105206
This is it. Thank you.
– Jonah
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
2
down vote
accepted
up vote
2
down vote
accepted
Although I'm not entirely sure it fits your example, this sounds similar to me to the concept of "paralipsis": drawing attention to something by saying that you will not mention it. The Wikipedia article on "Apophasis" mentions a few synonyms, and also gives various examples which show that depending on the context, the actual intention of the speaker may be fairly transparent (that is, someone employing paralipsis is not always trying to be perceived as sincere; the goal might just be to establish some minimum level of "plausible deniability").
Specifically, I think that saying "there's no reason to be embarrassed" could be interpreted as a "paraliptic" way of communicating that there is reason for John to be embarrassed.
"Paralipsis" has been mentioned in the answers to various other questions on this site, such as "I'm happy to see that you are sober as a judge" Is this a rhetorical device?
answered yesterday
sumelic
44.4k7105206
Although I'm not entirely sure it fits your example, this sounds similar to me to the concept of "paralipsis": drawing attention to something by saying that you will not mention it. The Wikipedia article on "Apophasis" mentions a few synonyms, and also gives various examples which show that depending on the context, the actual intention of the speaker may be fairly transparent (that is, someone employing paralipsis is not always trying to be perceived as sincere; the goal might just be to establish some minimum level of "plausible deniability").
Specifically, I think that saying "there's no reason to be embarrassed" could be interpreted as a "paraliptic" way of communicating that there is reason for John to be embarrassed.
"Paralipsis" has been mentioned in the answers to various other questions on this site, such as "I'm happy to see that you are sober as a judge" Is this a rhetorical device?
answered yesterday
sumelic
44.4k7105206
edited yesterday
answered yesterday
sumelic
44.4k7105206
answered yesterday
sumelic
44.4k7105206
answered yesterday
sumelic
44.4k7105206
44.4k7105206
This is it. Thank you.
– Jonah
yesterday
add a comment |
This is it. Thank you.
– Jonah
yesterday
This is it. Thank you.
– Jonah
yesterday
This is it. Thank you.
– Jonah
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
It's close to a 'back-handed' compliment -
an insult that is disguised as, or accompanied by, a compliment, especially in situations where the belittling or condescension is intentional.
answered Jun 21 '17 at 19:32
Walter Bellhaven
809146
This is the best answer so far. Although in this case it's back-handed charity, or just a back-handed statement.
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:35
1
@Jonah It's also just a synonym of the word within your question, that is, underhanded (statement).
– NVZ
Jun 21 '17 at 19:36
True. And that's a fine word for it. I posted with the hope of finding a truly specific word for this situation, though.
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:37
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
It's close to a 'back-handed' compliment -
an insult that is disguised as, or accompanied by, a compliment, especially in situations where the belittling or condescension is intentional.
answered Jun 21 '17 at 19:32
Walter Bellhaven
809146
This is the best answer so far. Although in this case it's back-handed charity, or just a back-handed statement.
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:35
1
@Jonah It's also just a synonym of the word within your question, that is, underhanded (statement).
– NVZ
Jun 21 '17 at 19:36
True. And that's a fine word for it. I posted with the hope of finding a truly specific word for this situation, though.
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:37
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
It's close to a 'back-handed' compliment -
an insult that is disguised as, or accompanied by, a compliment, especially in situations where the belittling or condescension is intentional.
answered Jun 21 '17 at 19:32
Walter Bellhaven
809146
It's close to a 'back-handed' compliment -
an insult that is disguised as, or accompanied by, a compliment, especially in situations where the belittling or condescension is intentional.
answered Jun 21 '17 at 19:32
Walter Bellhaven
809146
answered Jun 21 '17 at 19:32
Walter Bellhaven
809146
answered Jun 21 '17 at 19:32
Walter Bellhaven
809146
answered Jun 21 '17 at 19:32
Walter Bellhaven
809146
809146
This is the best answer so far. Although in this case it's back-handed charity, or just a back-handed statement.
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:35
1
@Jonah It's also just a synonym of the word within your question, that is, underhanded (statement).
– NVZ
Jun 21 '17 at 19:36
True. And that's a fine word for it. I posted with the hope of finding a truly specific word for this situation, though.
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:37
add a comment |
This is the best answer so far. Although in this case it's back-handed charity, or just a back-handed statement.
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:35
1
@Jonah It's also just a synonym of the word within your question, that is, underhanded (statement).
– NVZ
Jun 21 '17 at 19:36
True. And that's a fine word for it. I posted with the hope of finding a truly specific word for this situation, though.
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:37
This is the best answer so far. Although in this case it's back-handed charity, or just a back-handed statement.
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:35
This is the best answer so far. Although in this case it's back-handed charity, or just a back-handed statement.
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:35
1
1
@Jonah It's also just a synonym of the word within your question, that is, underhanded (statement).
– NVZ
Jun 21 '17 at 19:36
@Jonah It's also just a synonym of the word within your question, that is, underhanded (statement).
– NVZ
Jun 21 '17 at 19:36
True. And that's a fine word for it. I posted with the hope of finding a truly specific word for this situation, though.
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:37
True. And that's a fine word for it. I posted with the hope of finding a truly specific word for this situation, though.
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:37
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
Without a source to quote, I'd suggest the phrase poisonously sweet, except that I've only seen the phrase applied to women.
It is not, exactly, ironic, since Mike's statement is not intended directly to convey the opposite of its surface meaning, but rather to provoke a social response which is intended to embarrass John despite the professed intent.
answered Jun 21 '17 at 21:28
WhatRoughBeast
7,8171124
I like it. Other variations like "poisonously helpful" could answer the concern about typically attaching to women.
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 21:29
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
Without a source to quote, I'd suggest the phrase poisonously sweet, except that I've only seen the phrase applied to women.
It is not, exactly, ironic, since Mike's statement is not intended directly to convey the opposite of its surface meaning, but rather to provoke a social response which is intended to embarrass John despite the professed intent.
answered Jun 21 '17 at 21:28
WhatRoughBeast
7,8171124
I like it. Other variations like "poisonously helpful" could answer the concern about typically attaching to women.
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 21:29
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
Without a source to quote, I'd suggest the phrase poisonously sweet, except that I've only seen the phrase applied to women.
It is not, exactly, ironic, since Mike's statement is not intended directly to convey the opposite of its surface meaning, but rather to provoke a social response which is intended to embarrass John despite the professed intent.
answered Jun 21 '17 at 21:28
WhatRoughBeast
7,8171124
Without a source to quote, I'd suggest the phrase poisonously sweet, except that I've only seen the phrase applied to women.
It is not, exactly, ironic, since Mike's statement is not intended directly to convey the opposite of its surface meaning, but rather to provoke a social response which is intended to embarrass John despite the professed intent.
answered Jun 21 '17 at 21:28
WhatRoughBeast
7,8171124
answered Jun 21 '17 at 21:28
WhatRoughBeast
7,8171124
answered Jun 21 '17 at 21:28
WhatRoughBeast
7,8171124
answered Jun 21 '17 at 21:28
WhatRoughBeast
7,8171124
7,8171124
I like it. Other variations like "poisonously helpful" could answer the concern about typically attaching to women.
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 21:29
add a comment |
I like it. Other variations like "poisonously helpful" could answer the concern about typically attaching to women.
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 21:29
I like it. Other variations like "poisonously helpful" could answer the concern about typically attaching to women.
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 21:29
I like it. Other variations like "poisonously helpful" could answer the concern about typically attaching to women.
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 21:29
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
I can think of schadenfreude, which, according to Merriam-Webster, is a noun that means "enjoyment obtained from the troubles of others".
answered Jun 21 '17 at 19:12
Jonas
32517
this does not at all meet the requirements i listed. indeed, you can feel shadenfreude without saying anything
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:14
Perhaps "taunt" would be appropriate.
– Jonas
Jun 21 '17 at 19:16
quite the opposite. when taunting, you publicly embrace your intention to humiliate. here you are cloaking it
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:19
Insinuate, perhaps. As in "an insinuating smile".
– Jonas
Jun 21 '17 at 20:24
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
I can think of schadenfreude, which, according to Merriam-Webster, is a noun that means "enjoyment obtained from the troubles of others".
answered Jun 21 '17 at 19:12
Jonas
32517
this does not at all meet the requirements i listed. indeed, you can feel shadenfreude without saying anything
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:14
Perhaps "taunt" would be appropriate.
– Jonas
Jun 21 '17 at 19:16
quite the opposite. when taunting, you publicly embrace your intention to humiliate. here you are cloaking it
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:19
Insinuate, perhaps. As in "an insinuating smile".
– Jonas
Jun 21 '17 at 20:24
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
I can think of schadenfreude, which, according to Merriam-Webster, is a noun that means "enjoyment obtained from the troubles of others".
answered Jun 21 '17 at 19:12
Jonas
32517
I can think of schadenfreude, which, according to Merriam-Webster, is a noun that means "enjoyment obtained from the troubles of others".
answered Jun 21 '17 at 19:12
Jonas
32517
answered Jun 21 '17 at 19:12
Jonas
32517
answered Jun 21 '17 at 19:12
Jonas
32517
answered Jun 21 '17 at 19:12
Jonas
32517
32517
this does not at all meet the requirements i listed. indeed, you can feel shadenfreude without saying anything
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:14
Perhaps "taunt" would be appropriate.
– Jonas
Jun 21 '17 at 19:16
quite the opposite. when taunting, you publicly embrace your intention to humiliate. here you are cloaking it
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:19
Insinuate, perhaps. As in "an insinuating smile".
– Jonas
Jun 21 '17 at 20:24
add a comment |
this does not at all meet the requirements i listed. indeed, you can feel shadenfreude without saying anything
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:14
Perhaps "taunt" would be appropriate.
– Jonas
Jun 21 '17 at 19:16
quite the opposite. when taunting, you publicly embrace your intention to humiliate. here you are cloaking it
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:19
Insinuate, perhaps. As in "an insinuating smile".
– Jonas
Jun 21 '17 at 20:24
this does not at all meet the requirements i listed. indeed, you can feel shadenfreude without saying anything
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:14
this does not at all meet the requirements i listed. indeed, you can feel shadenfreude without saying anything
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:14
Perhaps "taunt" would be appropriate.
– Jonas
Jun 21 '17 at 19:16
Perhaps "taunt" would be appropriate.
– Jonas
Jun 21 '17 at 19:16
quite the opposite. when taunting, you publicly embrace your intention to humiliate. here you are cloaking it
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:19
quite the opposite. when taunting, you publicly embrace your intention to humiliate. here you are cloaking it
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:19
Insinuate, perhaps. As in "an insinuating smile".
– Jonas
Jun 21 '17 at 20:24
Insinuate, perhaps. As in "an insinuating smile".
– Jonas
Jun 21 '17 at 20:24
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
In general it is irony ("The use of words to express something different from and often opposite to their literal meaning." American Heritage).
If said with intention to hurt, it becomes sarcasm ("A cutting, often ironic remark intended to express contempt or ridicule" Ibid.).
See also What are the similarities and differences between "irony" and "sarcasm"?
answered Jun 21 '17 at 19:21
fralau
1,454214
These words are related to, but are much broader than, what I'm looking for. Also, importantly, when you are being ironic you (nearly always, at least for part of the audience) intend for others to apprehend your irony. In this situation, Mike wants to be perceived as sincere. I'm really looking to name a certain kind of specific social tactic for "innocently" directing attention to damaging information.
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:28
2
Do you mean that person appears to be sincere but they aren't? That would definitely be an insidious manoeuver ("Working or spreading harmfully in a subtle or stealthy manner" American Heritage)
– fralau
Jun 21 '17 at 19:37
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
In general it is irony ("The use of words to express something different from and often opposite to their literal meaning." American Heritage).
If said with intention to hurt, it becomes sarcasm ("A cutting, often ironic remark intended to express contempt or ridicule" Ibid.).
See also What are the similarities and differences between "irony" and "sarcasm"?
answered Jun 21 '17 at 19:21
fralau
1,454214
These words are related to, but are much broader than, what I'm looking for. Also, importantly, when you are being ironic you (nearly always, at least for part of the audience) intend for others to apprehend your irony. In this situation, Mike wants to be perceived as sincere. I'm really looking to name a certain kind of specific social tactic for "innocently" directing attention to damaging information.
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:28
2
Do you mean that person appears to be sincere but they aren't? That would definitely be an insidious manoeuver ("Working or spreading harmfully in a subtle or stealthy manner" American Heritage)
– fralau
Jun 21 '17 at 19:37
add a comment |
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In general it is irony ("The use of words to express something different from and often opposite to their literal meaning." American Heritage).
If said with intention to hurt, it becomes sarcasm ("A cutting, often ironic remark intended to express contempt or ridicule" Ibid.).
See also What are the similarities and differences between "irony" and "sarcasm"?
answered Jun 21 '17 at 19:21
fralau
1,454214
In general it is irony ("The use of words to express something different from and often opposite to their literal meaning." American Heritage).
If said with intention to hurt, it becomes sarcasm ("A cutting, often ironic remark intended to express contempt or ridicule" Ibid.).
See also What are the similarities and differences between "irony" and "sarcasm"?
answered Jun 21 '17 at 19:21
fralau
1,454214
answered Jun 21 '17 at 19:21
fralau
1,454214
answered Jun 21 '17 at 19:21
fralau
1,454214
answered Jun 21 '17 at 19:21
fralau
1,454214
1,454214
These words are related to, but are much broader than, what I'm looking for. Also, importantly, when you are being ironic you (nearly always, at least for part of the audience) intend for others to apprehend your irony. In this situation, Mike wants to be perceived as sincere. I'm really looking to name a certain kind of specific social tactic for "innocently" directing attention to damaging information.
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:28
2
Do you mean that person appears to be sincere but they aren't? That would definitely be an insidious manoeuver ("Working or spreading harmfully in a subtle or stealthy manner" American Heritage)
– fralau
Jun 21 '17 at 19:37
add a comment |
These words are related to, but are much broader than, what I'm looking for. Also, importantly, when you are being ironic you (nearly always, at least for part of the audience) intend for others to apprehend your irony. In this situation, Mike wants to be perceived as sincere. I'm really looking to name a certain kind of specific social tactic for "innocently" directing attention to damaging information.
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:28
2
Do you mean that person appears to be sincere but they aren't? That would definitely be an insidious manoeuver ("Working or spreading harmfully in a subtle or stealthy manner" American Heritage)
– fralau
Jun 21 '17 at 19:37
These words are related to, but are much broader than, what I'm looking for. Also, importantly, when you are being ironic you (nearly always, at least for part of the audience) intend for others to apprehend your irony. In this situation, Mike wants to be perceived as sincere. I'm really looking to name a certain kind of specific social tactic for "innocently" directing attention to damaging information.
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:28
These words are related to, but are much broader than, what I'm looking for. Also, importantly, when you are being ironic you (nearly always, at least for part of the audience) intend for others to apprehend your irony. In this situation, Mike wants to be perceived as sincere. I'm really looking to name a certain kind of specific social tactic for "innocently" directing attention to damaging information.
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:28
2
2
Do you mean that person appears to be sincere but they aren't? That would definitely be an insidious manoeuver ("Working or spreading harmfully in a subtle or stealthy manner" American Heritage)
– fralau
Jun 21 '17 at 19:37
Do you mean that person appears to be sincere but they aren't? That would definitely be an insidious manoeuver ("Working or spreading harmfully in a subtle or stealthy manner" American Heritage)
– fralau
Jun 21 '17 at 19:37
add a comment |
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How about misdirected?
– Steve Lovell
Jun 21 '17 at 19:05
while that could be used here, I am looking for something more specific
– Jonah
Jun 21 '17 at 19:08
Another possibility is undermined.
– Steve Lovell
Jun 21 '17 at 19:10
1
The guise of innocence suggests 'disingenuous' to me, although it's a little bit of a stretch.
– user888379
Jun 21 '17 at 19:55
1
Seems to me the concept of passive-aggression is also nearby.
– Steve Lovell
Jun 21 '17 at 21:41