For those unfamiliar with pick up artists (PUA) or the seduction scene, it's a loose-knit group of guys who have turned to tricks and sometimes manipulation to pick up and sleep with women. These men have typically been rejected many times over, have low self-esteem, and rage with resent and a sense of entitlement when it comes to sex.
There are PUA books, websites, etc. that provide tips and techniques. One of the most notorious strategies is called negging. Negging is underhanded compliments or thinly veiled insults that are intended to undermine the confidence of women. They typically are about appearance. The idea behind negging is that it puts the guy doing the negging in a position of power by discounting the woman's attractiveness, with the hopes that she will then try to gain his approval.
Here are some samples:
With that wit, it’s a good thing you’re pretty.
In one more drink I’ll be ready to hit on you.
Nice nails, are they real?
You have little crinkles around your eyes when you laugh
It's kind of rude to chew with your mouth open.
That outfit is really sharp. It would look much better if it were (some other color).
Nice, right? And PAUs wonder why they have a terrible reputation.
XKCD, in typical brilliant fashion, takes on the stupidity of negging with this strip:
