passive aggressive
Passive aggressive (adjective) means expressing anger or hostility indirectly rather than saying it outright, through sulking, backhanded compliments, deliberate delay or pretended agreement. Example: “Replying 'fine, whatever' and then doing nothing is classic passive aggressive behaviour.”
How to use passive aggressive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing angry with someone but showing it in sneaky, indirect ways instead of saying so.
Informal and extremely common in everyday speech. Often hyphenated when it comes before a noun: a passive-aggressive email.
Hyphenate before a noun ('a passive-aggressive text') but you can leave the hyphen out after the verb ('he was being passive aggressive').
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Replying 'fine, whatever' and then doing nothing is classic _____ behaviour.
Etymology
A compound of passive and aggressive, describing behaviour that is outwardly passive but aggressive in intent.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for passive aggressive
See all rhymes for passive aggressive →Frequently asked questions
What are examples of passive aggressive behaviour?
Common examples include the silent treatment, saying 'I'm fine' in a tone that clearly means the opposite, agreeing to do something and then doing it badly or late on purpose, and backhanded compliments like 'that's brave of you to wear'. The pattern is hostility delivered in a form the person can deny.
What is the difference between passive aggressive and assertive?
Assertive means stating your needs or objections clearly and respectfully so the other person knows where they stand. Passive aggressive means feeling the same objection but hiding it behind sarcasm, delay or sulking, so the other person is left guessing.
Is passive aggressive a mental illness?
No. It describes a communication style, not a disorder. Passive-aggressive personality disorder appeared in older editions of the DSM but was moved out of the main classification and is not a current standard diagnosis.
What is the meaning of passive aggressive?
"passive aggressive" (adjective) means expressing anger or hostility indirectly rather than saying it outright, through sulking, backhanded compliments, deliberate delay or pretended agreement.