Ad hominem (Latin for “to the person”), short for argumentum ad hominem.
It typically refers to a fallacious argumentative strategy whereby genuine discussion of the topic at hand is avoided by instead attacking the character, motive, or other attribute of the person making the argument, or persons associated with the argument, rather than attacking the substance of the argument itself.
: being, marked by, or displaying behavior characterized by the expression of negative feelings, resentment, and aggression in an unassertive passive way (as through procrastination and stubbornness)
It is passive-aggressive behavior, the donning of a mask of amiability that conceals raw antagonism toward one's competitors, even one's friends.— Hilary De Vries
A passive-aggressive manager eschews open hostilities, in part because he feels distinctly uncomfortable with them.— Walter Kiechel III