Saying ‘sorry’ before something you’re not sorry about

[Flowerbot]

E.g: “Sorry, but I think you’re an absolute cunt”

Surely it’s the equivalent of saying “I’m not being funny, but”

Why do people do it? If you mean it, say it like you mean it!

[snash12]

I don’t get that either!

Like people who say “I’m just a really honest person I have to say things as I see them” - shortly after personally insulting someone!

[WhatwouldAryado]

Of course. Up there with "I don't want to sound funny/ rude/ racist "
Of course they do. They're drawing attention to the fact that They're causing offence but will use their meaningless phrase as a claim that They're not a dick. But they are. Handy though. A quick conversational short cut when dissing people out!

[WhatwouldAryado]

*sussing

[RedBullBlood]

"No offense, but...." followed by something offensive! Thanks, Ma.

[ALemonyPea]

Ah yes, the old “I’m not being racist but...” always gets rolled out when there has been some sort of terrorist event by people who you just know are going to give an awful racist comment.

[Flowerbot]

Yes exactly, you’re not allowed to be offended if someone has said “no offence, but” or informed you beforehand that they’re just really honest

[Mittens1969]

Another one is ‘With all due respect...’ when there’s definitely no respect at all.

[Flowerbot]

“With all due respect... you’re a cunt” like that you mean?

[Squeegle]

With all due respect, I’m not being funny, but this is cobblers. It’s just the way we are in England. 😀

[CruCru]

I always look a bit shocked and ask them why they’re sorry. They don’t like that.

Alternatively I snarl that x was very passive aggressive of them. They don’t like that either.

[Lovestonap]

I was at school with someone who always started "I'm not trying to be mean but...."

Usually followed by
'no one likes you' or 'those shoes look stupid' etc.

If you're not trying to be mean then God help whoever you're talking to when you're actually trying!

[Lovestonap]

When my partner says 'I'm sorry but' I always reply 'you don't sound sorry'.

[IHaveBrilloHair]

I'm sorry you feel that way.
Arggggh, fuck right off.

[AnonEvent]

I quite enjoy saying “I’m not being/funny racist but...” and then saying something entirely inoffensive.

I’m not being racist but, I really like salted butter.

[Bluffinwithmymuffin]

"Sorry, but" is especially annoying in daily fail headlines on the women's pages.... i.e.
Sorry, but I hate other women/my boss/mums who do their children's homework/spending time with my own children/breastfeeding/having sex/not having sex/going on holiday/being kind to animals... etc. Always accompanied by photo of smug Katie Hopkins type woman with a stealth boasting smile on her face

[WishingOnABar]

“I’m sorry if you were offended by X”

As in, I’m not sorry it happened but sorry you are so sensitive that it offended you