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.”
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