Life
13 Spot-On, Old-Fashioned Compliments
Whether you're already a people person or just trying to step out of your comfort zone, knowing how to be sociable is an essential component of your social skill set. You're probably familiar with the old saying that you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar, and there's a reason retro idioms have such longevity. If you're running out of sweet things to say, you're in luck, as there are plenty of old-fashioned compliments you should give to attract more people. Before you know it, you'll have a calendar brimming with all manner of luncheons, engagements, and soirees.
Being popular isn't by any means the sole metric by which you can measure your social standing. However, jumping at the opportunity to expand your circle of friends certainly doesn't hurt. At the very least, by broadening your horizons, you might gain a new appreciation or perspective on things. After all, when you stick to your comfort zone, there isn't much room for personal or professional growth. Regardless of whether you want to network for career reasons or are just looking to meet some new people, check out these old-fashioned compliments you can add to your repertoire of rapport to attract more people.
1"You're An Abracadabrant."
Do you want to tell someone that they are truly marvelous? According to the official site for the Collins French-English Dictionary, abracadabrant means incredible greatness beyond comprehension. Toss that one into your next conversation and watch the magic happen.
2"I Am Sick 'Til I See You, Whose Presence Is My Restorative."
Flowery language has never been so bountiful as it was recorded in The New Academy Of Complements from 1669. For instance, "I am sick 'til I see you, whose presence is my restorative," is a delightful compliment to pay someone.
3"You're A Pippin."
This isn't just a type of apple. According to the official site of The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a pippin is a person who is highly regarded and admirable. You are quite a pippin, indeed.
4"The Brightness Of Her Cheek Would Shame Those Stars."
Perhaps the most well-known giver of compliments, William Shakespeare doesn't skimp on the flattery in Romeo and Juliet with statements like, "the brightness of her cheek would shame those stars." Comparing someone to the glory of the galaxy is high praise.
5"What A Cowfyne."
Usually, anything that sounds bovine-related isn't endearing. However, according to The Word Museum: The Most Remarkable English Words Ever Forgotten by Jeffrey Kacirk, a cowfyne is a true sweetheart. Just make sure to let the recipient of this adulation knows you're not comparing them to a farm animal.
6"Your Favors Have Raised Me So High, That I Seem To Stand Upon A Precipice And Discern My Fall With The Greater Terror."
This one is a mouthful, but it's so worth it. According to The New Academy of Compliments, "your favors have raised me so high, that I seem to stand upon a precipice and discern my fall with the greater terror," is one of the kindest things you can say to a person. I'm inclined to agree.
7"You're A Rudderish."
As The Word Museum noted, a rudderish person is one who is passionate and bold. You have a rudderish quality about you.
8"You Fly Beyond Fate's Control."
Not only are you commending someone for being ambitious, but for successfully reaching their goal. According to The Habits of Good Society: A Handbook of Etiquette for Ladies and Gentlemen published by James Hoggs and sons, "fly beyond fate's control," is to defy all odds and achieve greatness. Impressive is an understatement.
9"You Have Such Bellitude."
No, this isn't a quote from the Pitch Perfect franchise. According to The Word Museum, bellitude describes someone's elegance and overall lovely qualities.
10"I Owe My Good Fortune To Your Favourable Assistance."
What better way to thank someone than with a compliment? As The New Academy of Compliments noted, "I owe my good fortune to your favourable assistance," is a prime option to show appreciation.
11"You're So Bricky."
This one is actually fairly self-explanatory. Want to compliment your friend's resilience? Tell them they're bricky, which means they're tough like bricks, according to Merriam-Webster. I'll be adding this one to my daily vernacular for sure.
12"You're So Snogly Geared."
In The English Dialect Society, saying someone is snogly geared means they are impeccably dressed. After all, everyone appreciates being acknowledged for their fabulous sense of style.
13"What A Blepharon."
This definitely should make a comeback considering the current trend in beauty and grooming. According to The Word Museum, a blepharon is one with great eyebrows. Who knew there was even a word for that?
