Damn with faint praise
Encyclopedia
Damn with faint praise is an English
idiom
for words that effectively condemn by seeming to offer praise which is too moderate or marginal to be considered praise at all. In other words, this phrase identifies the act of expressing a compliment so feeble that it amounts to no compliment at all, or even implies a kind of condemnation.
(c. 110 AD), who observed that faint and half-hearted praise was more harmful than loud and persistent abuse.
The explicit phrasing of the modern English idiomic expression was first published by Alexander Pope
in his 1734 poem, "Epistle to Dr Arbuthnot
" in Prologue to the Satires.
The intended meaning of the idiom is closely mirrored in a 17th century poem by Phineas Fletcher
(1582-1650):
. Faint praise is a kind of disparagement
.
The expanded use of expression has come to encompass a variety of contexts, e.g.,
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
idiom
Idiom
Idiom is an expression, word, or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is comprehended in regard to a common use of that expression that is separate from the literal meaning or definition of the words of which it is made...
for words that effectively condemn by seeming to offer praise which is too moderate or marginal to be considered praise at all. In other words, this phrase identifies the act of expressing a compliment so feeble that it amounts to no compliment at all, or even implies a kind of condemnation.
Origins
The concept can be found in the work of the Helenistic sophist and philosopher, FavorinusFavorinus
Favorinus of Arelata was a Roman sophist and philosopher who flourished during the reign of Hadrian.He was of Gaulish ancestry, born in Arelate . He is described as a hermaphrodite by birth...
(c. 110 AD), who observed that faint and half-hearted praise was more harmful than loud and persistent abuse.
The explicit phrasing of the modern English idiomic expression was first published by Alexander Pope
Alexander Pope
Alexander Pope was an 18th-century English poet, best known for his satirical verse and for his translation of Homer. He is the third-most frequently quoted writer in The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations, after Shakespeare and Tennyson...
in his 1734 poem, "Epistle to Dr Arbuthnot
Epistle to Dr Arbuthnot
The Epistle to Dr. Arbuthnot is a satire in poetic form written by Alexander Pope and addressed to his friend John Arbuthnot, a physician. It was first published in 1735 and composed in 1734, when Pope learned that Arbuthnot was dying. Pope described it as a memorial of their friendship...
" in Prologue to the Satires.
-
- Damn with faint praise, assent with civil leer,
- And without sneering, teach the rest to sneer;
- Willing to wound, and yet afraid to strike,
- Just hint a fault, and hesitate dislike.
-
- -- "Epistle to Dr Arbuthnot" by Alexander Pope (1688–1744)
-
The intended meaning of the idiom is closely mirrored in a 17th century poem by Phineas Fletcher
Phineas Fletcher
Phineas Fletcher was an English poet, elder son of Dr Giles Fletcher, and brother of Giles the younger. He was born at Cranbrook, Kent, and was baptized on 8 April 1582.-Life:...
(1582-1650):
-
- When needs he must, yet faintly then he praises,
- Somewhat the deed, much more the means he raises:
- So marreth what he makes, and praising most, dispraises.
-
- -- "The Purple Island" by Phineas Fletcher (1582–1650).
-
Usage
The idiomatic label or description for criticizing someone or something indirectly by giving a slighting compliment is understood as an essential element of cultural literacyCultural literacy
Cultural literacy is familiarity with and ability to understand the idioms, allusions, and informal content that create and constitute a dominant culture. From being familiar with street signs to knowing historical references to understanding the most recent slang, literacy demands interaction with...
. Faint praise is a kind of disparagement
Disparagement
Disparagement, in United States trademark law, is a statutory cause of action that permits a party to petition the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board of the Patent and Trademark Office to cancel a trademark registration that "may disparage or falsely suggest a connection with persons, living or...
.
The expanded use of expression has come to encompass a variety of contexts, e.g.,
- In an interview, Encyclopedia Britannica president Jorge CauzJorge CauzJorge Aguilar Cauz is an American businessman and the president of Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., the publishers of the Encyclopædia Britannica, a position to which he was appointed in November 2003.-Education:...
was critical of Wikipedia:
- "Damning his competitor with faint praise, he said a big problem was that many users considered Wikipedia to be 'fine' or 'good enough'."
External links
- Alexander Pope. "Epistle to Dr. Arbuthnot," annotated text of the poem