The Oddities of Compliments: Insights from Everyday Life

Life is full of unexpected moments, and one of the most intriguing ones can be found in the form of an unusual or quirky compliment. These compliments, often given in a context that feels out of place, can leave us questioning their true meaning. In this article, we delve into some of the strangest compliments we've ever received and the responses we gave in those moments.

Why Do We Receive Unusual Compliments?

There are countless reasons why someone might give an unusual compliment. It could be a cultural reference, a metaphor, or simply an attempt to break the ice. Sometimes, these compliments may seem like a joke or a playful jab, while they can also be a way of expressing admiration or appreciation in a unique way. Let's explore some examples from people's lives to understand these oddities better.

1. The 'Highlander' Compliment

I was working in the UK for the British subsidiary of an American company and they offered me a job at the New York City head office at four times the salary. I got an apartment in Manhattan and all that at the tender age of 27!

Wow you’re a Highlander — referring to the movie and the fact that I was juggling study, medical training, and going back and forth from my hometown for a series of birthday parties on very little sleep.

This compliment referred to the character Sean Connery in the movie The Highlander, who hails from Scotland, often referred to as a Highland. The speaker was highlighting the fact that I was juggling multiple responsibilities and commitments, much like the character's lifestyle. This compliment might have been meant to commend my dedication and multitasking skills, but it certainly left me confused and chuckling.

2. Scientific Cognition and Compliments

A friend at university was reading Chemistry. He was unbelievably bright, got the top first in the university, and subsequently moved into academia. I shared a house with him while he was studying for his doctorate, and we spent many happy hours discussing all sorts of crazy things. My degree is in Modern History, and I was flattered to be told by said individual that as a non-scientist, I argued very well.

You argued very well — as a non-scientist, what I argued about might have been more philosophical or historical, not scientific. This compliment was a nod to my ability to argue logically and coherently, which is a skill that often crosses all academic disciplines.

3. The Wristband Fairies

Today, I went to a comedy show, and the guy who was putting on the wristband told me I have very nice wrists. This compliment was both unexpected and a bit egg-shaped, to say the least.

You have very nice wrists — an observation typically more fitting for a fashion or jewelry setting, not at a comedy show. It's a unique compliment that is entirely personal and humorous.

4. The Babysitting Moment

When I was about 11, I was babysitting for this little girl, and I helped her move her toys from her room to the living room. She was like, GASPSP you’re a elevator lift! This became one of my favorite quotes since this incident, as it perfectly encapsulates the bizarre nature of the compliment.

You’re a elevator lift! — a playful attempt to say I am helpful and capable of moving objects, likely in a more gentle and creative way compared to the efficient and mechanical image of an elevator.

5. The Mall Mystery Compliment

This happened many years ago when I was around 25 years old. I went to a mall with my best friend. She was and still is a gorgeous lady and usually captures guys’ attention. When we walked around, there was a guy who passed by intentionally and checked us out. I thought he was checking out my friend, but no. He looked at me observing, didn’t try to introduce himself. He just looked like he was curious. And then he threw a comment, Very fierce but very kind and sweet. Once he said that, he walked away. Till now, I had no idea what the hell was going on, and what was his intention.

Very fierce but very kind and sweet — this compliment is filled with contradictions, making it difficult to decipher. It could be meant to describe a complex personality, or it might be a way of letting you know that you are attractive without coming across as crude.

6. The Rebellious Compliment

Sixth grade. The vice-principal pulled a bunch of troubled kids into a basement room for some kind of hippie therapy session or something. I suppose I was troubled. I was a strange little 10-year-old, and though I wasn’t bullied, I was treated with open revulsion by almost everybody. One of the activities we did in that basement room was compliments. A fellow student was given the task of coming up with something nice to say about me. He thought about it for a while and then said, Larry is good at taking insults. Um, thanks I guess. I was going by Larry back then, and did it for a whole year. It didn’t help anything.

Larry is good at taking insults — a backhanded compliment, often used sarcastically to imply that someone is thick-skinned. It didn’t sit well with me at the time and perhaps still doesn’t, as it aims to minimize the recipient's feelings or intelligence.

Conclusion

Compliments, whether they are standard or quirky, can have a profound impact on how we perceive ourselves and how others view us. The examples shared here highlight the myriad ways in which compliments can be delivered and the often humorous and sometimes confusing outcomes of such interactions. These incidents remind us that communication is complex and that understanding the context and the speaker's intentions can lead to a more meaningful interaction.

Publish Date: 2023-10-18

Tags: unusual compliments, quirky responses, awkward compliments