Word of the Day – Charientism

Charientism (noun)

ka-ri-yent-izm

A figure of speech wherein a taunting expression is softened by a jest; an insult veiled in grace.

You know when you’re in a group conversation and you can’t decide whether it’s ‘banter’ or genuine dislike for a person, that’s charientism.

Example sentences

“He is hysterical; the master of the charientism, you never know whether he’s complimenting you or criticising you.”

“I’d offer up a charientism but I’m not polite enough to bother masking my dislike for people.”