No offense, but you look kind of fat!

It is high time to comment on the expression "No offense but.." or "Don't mean to be arrogant but.." Many people think that by using these expressions, the gloves are off, and it's suddenly ok, or humorous, to be totally honest about someone's new haircut, new clothes, new kilos, new date, etc. You get the point. They will say "No offense but.." followed by something that is very difficult not to take offense from. These people are using the expression the wrong way.

So what is the right way to use this expression? Well, in my opinion, it's when you HAVE TO say something that might come across as rude, arrogant, or none of your business. Not just when you feel like it. And even then it's difficult. If you’re going to get away with this it requires what the Germans call "fingerspitzgefühl", good taste, or tact. That's it, lesson over. I don't mean to sound arrogant, but I have better things to do with my time than trying to teach stupid people how to behave themselves!