Why does "With all due respect" _always_ preceed a patronizing statement?

[StageLeft]

That's all I have to say on it, really. Have you ever heard a sentence start with "with all due respect" that didn't patronize/admonish the recipient with the rest of the statement? I doubt it!

 

[The Boston Dangler]

you're an idiot, and i mean that in the nicest possible way.

 

[marvdmartian]

TBD hit on it, almost exactly, while being a smart aleck. It's a way to tell someone, "Look, I know I have to (should) respect you, but I think you're a mindless boob with no imagination, so for once in your life pull your head out of your backside and listen to someone with some reason, would you please??"

It's used extensively in the military services, usually to tell an officer they're full of sh*t. :laugh:

 

[olds]

Withn all due respect, this has been coverd a thousand times and even a n00b knows that.

 

[moshquerade]

Yes.