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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]“You’re so articulate” as if they were surprised I’m not a total idiot[/quote]

This doesn’t sound like a back handed compliment to me.  This is just a compliment.[/quote]
It's a microaggression.[/quote]

The fact that it has devolved to this makes me sad.  The definition is:

having or showing the ability to speak fluently and coherently.

Not everyone is a good public speaker.  Some people are amazingly articulate under pressure and fantastic public speakers.  This is the way I used to think of the word "articulate" and the way I would use it; to complement someone who I thought was a particularly good public speaker.  Someone who has the ability to convey ideas is a clear manner.

Can't use it any more.  People automatically assume bad intentions.[/quote]

But suppose it’s not public speaking or a presentation or even an incisive comment in a group meeting? How would you feel if you were having what you felt was a normal conversation and someone whipped out:”You are SO articulate “?  Wouldn’t it take you aback just a bit?  
 This happens to me quite a bit. Sometimes it seems to mean something like : You are amazingly articulate and it’s wonderful the way you got everyone on board with that idea.  Sometimes it clearly means: Wow! You speak English and you didn’t drool.

I have had people ask me if I’m American. And follow that with: “Because you speak like an educated person.” The clash between the reality that I present and their expectations for someone who looks like me is apparently too great.

tldr: Yep. Can’t use it anymore. People automatically assume bad intentions. Because many of us have had to be on the receiving end of —yes— bad intentions and arrogant ignorance.  [/quote]

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