hollow compliments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hollow compliments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe insincere or empty praise that lacks genuine appreciation or meaning. Example: "Despite his constant praise, I could tell that they were just hollow compliments meant to flatter me without any real substance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Self-esteem does not come from the handouts or from the hollow compliments but from the gratification from one's own accomplishments.

Huffington Post

1. Skip the cheesy jokes: According to research, both men and women react poorly to silly jokes, hollow compliments, cheesy pick-up lines and overt sexual references.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And for many people, the most negative feedback is just the attaboy praise, a kind of hollow compliment, which many people perceive as disingenuous and not really being serious.

Harvard Business Review

He is our greatest exponent of mime, but the fact it's difficult to name the second foremost mime artist in this country renders that compliment slightly hollow.

The Guardian

But so too did whispers of "draft bust," as every DNP only added weight to the notion that the compliments had been hollow.

The New York Times

The compliment, alas, rings hollow.

The New York Times - Books

SLEEPY HOLLOW Sleepy Hollow High School Juilliard Baroque.

The New York Times

Hollow laughter.

The New York Times

Hollow materialism.

The New York Times

Hollow words.

The New Yorker

Hollow military.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing insincere behavior, use "hollow compliments" to specifically denote praise that lacks genuine feeling or substance. This adds nuance compared to simply saying someone is 'insincere'.

Common error

Avoid using "hollow compliments" when you mean something is physically empty. This phrase is specific to insincere praise, not literal emptiness. For literal emptiness use another word that match better the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hollow compliments" functions as a noun phrase, where "hollow" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "compliments". Ludwig identifies it as describing praise lacking sincerity or value.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hollow compliments" refers to insincere or meaningless praise. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not frequently encountered, it effectively conveys skepticism or disapproval regarding insincere praise. Alternative phrases include "insincere praise" and "empty flattery". When employing this phrase, ensure that the context involves praise lacking genuine feeling rather than literal emptiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insincere praise

Emphasizes the lack of genuine feeling behind the compliments.

empty flattery

Highlights the superficial and meaningless nature of the compliments.

meaningless praise

Focuses on the lack of substance or value in the compliments.

artificial compliments

Suggests that the compliments are fabricated or not genuine.

worthless praise

Implies that the compliments have no real value or impact.

vain adulation

Highlights the excessive and often insincere nature of the praise.

superficial praise

Emphasizes the lack of depth or sincerity in the compliments.

empty words of praise

Draws attention to the lack of genuine sentiment behind the compliments.

shallow praise

Implies a lack of depth or understanding in the expressed compliments.

false compliments

Directly states that the compliments are untrue or deceitful.

FAQs

What does "hollow compliments" mean?

The phrase "hollow compliments" refers to praise or flattery that is insincere, lacking genuine feeling or meaning. It suggests that the words are empty and do not reflect true appreciation.

What are some synonyms for "hollow compliments"?

Alternatives to "hollow compliments" include "insincere praise", "empty flattery", or "meaningless praise". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "hollow compliments" in a sentence?

You might say, "She suspected his compliments were hollow, designed only to manipulate her." or "The politician's speech was full of hollow compliments, offering no real solutions.".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "hollow compliments"?

Use "hollow compliments" when you want to emphasize the insincerity or lack of genuine feeling behind someone's words of praise. It is appropriate in contexts where someone is being disingenuous or manipulative.