A phrase commonly prepended to statements of a sensitive nature, used in social situations. (see: social engineering) The desired intent of using this phrase is to remove guilt and/or responsibility of the sender for what he or she is trying to express to the recipient. Frequent exposure to this phrase is often percieved as meddling, and can cause discomfort between the sender and the recipient's relationship with one another.

example: "No offense, but I think you should.."

Used by offending people instead of refraining from making the offense in the first place.