Passive-aggressive behavior is the indirect expression of hostility, such as through procrastination, stubbornness, sullen behavior, or deliberate or repeated failure to accomplish requested tasks for which one is (often explicitly) responsible.

Afraid to Rage: The Origins of Passive-Aggressive Behavior. How unresolved fear and anger can lead to passive-aggression.

passive aggressive A defense mechanism that allows people who aren't comfortable being openly aggressive get what they want under the guise of still trying to please others.

Ah, passive aggression. The best way to handle conflict. Not. There's a reason why passive-aggressive behavior gets such a bad rap. Not only is it supremely frustrating for both parties involved, but it's also incredibly unproductive to the passive-aggressive person -- because his or her needs aren't actually ever acknowledged or addressed.

Passive aggressive behaviour takes many forms but can generally be described as a non-verbal aggression that manifests in negative behavior. It is where you are angry with someone but do not or cannot tell them.

Passive-aggressive people express their negative feelings indirectly. Learn how to identify this, and apply strategies to neutralize its harmful effects.

adjective 1. denoting or pertaining to a personality type or behavior marked by the expression of negative emotions in passive, indirect ways, as through manipulation or noncooperation: a passive-aggressive employee who often misses deadlines.

The problem with all this is that people label others passive aggressive just because the other person doesn't give them what they want. I mean, who hasn't been on the receiving end of an ignored email?

Passive-aggressive behaviors are those that involve acting indirectly aggressive rather than directly aggressive. Passive-aggressive people regularly exhibit resistance to requests or demands from family and other individuals often by procrastinating, expressing sullenness, or acting stubborn.