The Brief: Negging is a dating term that refers to when someone uses manipulative backhanded compliments to keep someone searching for their approval.

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Negging is behavior and comments that are designed to put someone down while ostensibly complimenting or “only teasing” them. Although not exclusive to heterosexual relationships, negging is often characterized as something that men do to women. This dating term typically refers to backhanded compliments or statements that are meant to lower someone’s self-esteem.