A backhanded compliment is a statement that appears to be a compliment but is actually an insult. It is often used as a form of passive-aggressive behavior. The term can be broken down into three crossword solutions: TAUNT (5 letters), AFFRONT (7 letters), and ROAST (5 letters). A TAUNT is a remark made in order to hurt someone's feelings or provoke them. An AFFRONT is an intentional act of disrespect or insult. Finally, a ROAST is a humorous speech or writing that makes fun of someone. All three of these terms can be used to describe a backhanded compliment.