Why is it whenever someone says "with all due respect", they really mean "kiss my ass"?
Effectively, there are four explanations for this:
- First, the phrase is being used ironically. They say "With Due Respect", but they don't mean it. This was actually the reason why Kisama turned from an extremely formal pronoun to a cartoonishly comtemptuous pronoun in Japanese.
- Second, it is being used as a half-hearted attempt to soften the blow, and hopefully avoid some of the retribution they would receive for just out-and-out insulting or contradicting someone in a situation where it would not be recommended to do so.
- Third, they mean it literally, and are implying that there is no respect due to whoever they are addressing.
- Fourth, they mean they actually do respect the person they're talking to, but disagree with one specific decision or statement that person made and wish to express that disagreement without undermining their authority.
