noun
spiteful remarks; snide comments
Refers to remarks made out of spite or resentment, often indirectly or with a hidden sting. Can imply passive-aggressive behavior.
彼女の面当てのような言い方に傷ついた。
I was hurt by her spiteful way of speaking.
あの人はいつも面当てばかり言うから、あまり話したくない。
That person always says snide remarks, so I don't really want to talk to them.
嫌味 is more direct sarcasm or unpleasant remarks, while 面当て emphasizes the underlying spite or resentment, often expressed indirectly.
当てこすり is a more common term for snide or insinuating remarks, often used in daily conversation. 面当て is less frequent and carries a stronger nuance of personal spite.
Compound of 面 (つら, 'face') and 当て (あて, 'hitting' or 'directing at'). Literally 'hitting someone in the face', figuratively used for remarks that sting or are aimed at someone with spite.