General
aren't you precious
What does aren't you precious mean?
A compliment for something adorable, but frequently a sweetly delivered put-down.
"You thought that would work? Aren't you precious."
Origin
Southern politeness idiom that, like "bless your heart," can cloak condescension.
Frequently asked questions
What does "aren't you precious" mean?
It can be a genuine compliment for something adorable, but it's often a sweetly delivered put-down meaning "how naive."
Is "aren't you precious" sarcastic?
Frequently, yes. Like "bless your heart," it can cloak condescension behind a polite tone.
How do I tell if it's a compliment or an insult?
Tone and context decide. Said warmly to a child it's sweet; said flatly after a failed idea, it's a jab.
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