The definition of a backseat driver that I like the most is Merriam-Webster’s: someone who gives unwanted advice or who tries to control something that is supposed to be controlled by another person. If you know me and cars, you know that describes me as a passenger.
On a recent Lyft ride, I was telling the driver quite an entertaining story when I noticed he wasn’t keeping his eyes on the road. After I made several annoying squeaky noises, I apologized to him for being a bad backseat driver.
The driver replied, “Oh, you’re a good backseat driver.”
It took about a day for the real meaning of his words to register and make me laugh. Is it a compliment if someone says you are good at something that is bad—like lying, swearing, burping, or backseat driving? My guess is no. Will I change my bad habit? My definite answer is no.
