Question

Eloise has turned 67 years old. People she meets compliment her by saying, "You don't look your age." The implicit assumption in this remark is that she:_________a. is very pretty.b. would be ugly if she looked her age.c. makes the most of her appearance.d. must have exercised her whole life.

Answer 1

Answer: b. would be ugly if she looked her age

Explanation:

If this remark is meant as a compliment, it implies that she is better looking than other people at her age, or other people her age are uglier than she is. While this may not be meant to offend, it is possible to view it as a form of ageism.

A less controversial way to compliment her would be to say "You are good looking" without referring to her age. This applies to all form of compliments, including physical or mental agility.