Passive Aggressive

[Fanciedachange17]

I think this is a relatively new term we all happily use but I find myself questioning it.
What is it exactly? And is it so very bad?
Surely it is just someone choosing not to confront or have a row and just be a bit sarcastic?
So my AIBU is this - Is being passive aggressive a bad thing?

[Reflexella]

It depends - I know what you mean. Sometimes it does become a catch all for anything that is ‘soft’ non aggressive confrontation.

I think passive aggressive approach truly is something that you can’t easily confront/challenge eg a sulking person that says nothing is wrong when confronted.

[Reflexella]

Ideally confrontation should be assertive and seek resolution anything that falls outside of this could be considered out & out aggressive or passively aggressive.

[Reflexella]

So yes in answer - not good

[restbiterepeat]

Yes, I think being passive aggressive is bad. It is no less hostile than a verbal confrontation but it lacks honesty and also removes the opportunity for any reasoned resolve.