BACKHANDED Meaning and
Definition
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Backhanded, as an adjective, is used to describe an action, remark, or compliment that carries an underlying or indirect meaning, often expressing criticism or sarcasm. It involves a subtle yet deliberate attempt to demean or undermine someone. The term "backhanded" can also refer to a specific manner of striking or hitting an object with the back of the hand, usually in sports like tennis or hockey.
When used in a figurative sense, a backhanded compliment implies a two-faced or insincere statement that appears to be positive but actually carries a critical undertone. For instance, someone might say, "You look good today, considering how much weight you've put on," which sneaks in criticism despite the apparent well-intentioned remark. Similarly, a backhanded apology involves expressing remorse while subtly shifting blame onto the offended party.
Furthermore, a backhanded action can denote a roundabout, indirect, or less straightforward approach to accomplishing a goal. It implies a form of manipulation or stealth rather than facing a situation head-on. This term can be used to describe deceitful or sly tactics employed in negotiations, politics, or interpersonal relationships.
In the context of sports, a backhanded shot refers to striking a ball or object with the back of the hand or racket, usually with a sideways or diagonal motion. This technique is commonly seen in tennis, hockey, or squash, where players employ it to add spin or maneuver the ball more effectively.
Overall, "backhanded" encompasses various subtle, indirect, or non-confrontational actions, statements, or techniques that often carry a hidden agenda or a critical tone.
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With the hand turned backward; indirect.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for BACKHANDED
Etymology of BACKHANDED
The word "backhanded" has an interesting etymology. It originated in the mid-18th century as a compound word combining "back" and "hand".
- "Back" comes from the Old English word "bæc", which referred to the posterior part of the body. It eventually evolved to denote the rear or reverse side of something.
- "Hand" is derived from the Old English word "hond", ultimately tracing back to the Proto-Germanic word "handuz". It refers to the part of the body at the end of the arm, used for grasping and manipulating objects.
The combination of "back" and "hand" in "backhanded" refers to a specific motion or action performed with the back of the hand facing outward, rather than the palm.
Idioms with the word BACKHANDED
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backhanded compliment
A "backhanded compliment" is an expression that appears to be a compliment, but actually contains a subtle criticism or insult. It is a remark that contains a hidden agenda or underlying negativity, leading to a sense of insincerity or ambiguity in its intended meaning.
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pay a backhanded compliment
The idiom "pay a backhanded compliment" refers to the act of giving a compliment that seems positive on the surface but contains a subtle or disguised insult or criticism. It is a disguised insult or an indirect way of undermining someone while appearing to offer praise or admiration.
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a backhanded compliment
"A backhanded compliment" is an idiom used to describe a statement that appears to be a compliment but actually contains a hidden insult or criticism. It is a remark that seemingly praises someone while also undermining or belittling them in some way. The intention behind a backhanded compliment is usually to subtly offend or manipulate the recipient without appearing overtly rude or offensive.
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pay someone a backhanded compliment
To pay someone a backhanded compliment means to give a compliment that is condescending, critical, or insincere in nature. It involves praising someone in a way that disguises an insult or an underlying negative message.
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pay sm a backhanded compliment
The idiom "pay someone a backhanded compliment" refers to giving someone a compliment that seems positive on the surface but actually contains an underlying criticism or insult. It is often used to describe a statement that appears to praise someone, but it subtly undermines or discredits them.
Similar spelling words for BACKHANDED
Conjugate verb Backhanded
CONDITIONAL
I
would backhand
we
would backhand
you
would backhand
he/she/it
would backhand
they
would backhand
FUTURE
I
will backhand
we
will backhand
you
will backhand
he/she/it
will backhand
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will backhand
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have backhanded
we
will have backhanded
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will have backhanded
he/she/it
will have backhanded
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will have backhanded
PAST
I
backhanded
we
backhanded
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backhanded
he/she/it
backhanded
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backhanded
PAST PERFECT
I
had backhanded
we
had backhanded
you
had backhanded
he/she/it
had backhanded
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had backhanded
PRESENT
I
backhand
we
backhand
you
backhand
he/she/it
backhands
they
backhand
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have backhanded
we
have backhanded
you
have backhanded
he/she/it
has backhanded
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have backhanded
I
am backhanding
we
are backhanding
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are backhanding
he/she/it
is backhanding
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are backhanding
I
was backhanding
we
were backhanding
you
were backhanding
he/she/it
was backhanding
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were backhanding
I
will be backhanding
we
will be backhanding
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he/she/it
will be backhanding
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will be backhanding
I
have been backhanding
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have been backhanding
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have been backhanding
he/she/it
has been backhanding
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have been backhanding
I
had been backhanding
we
had been backhanding
you
had been backhanding
he/she/it
had been backhanding
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had been backhanding
I
will have been backhanding
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will have been backhanding
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will have been backhanding
he/she/it
will have been backhanding
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will have been backhanding
I
would have backhanded
we
would have backhanded
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would have backhanded
he/she/it
would have backhanded
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would have backhanded
I
would be backhanding
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would be backhanding
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would be backhanding
he/she/it
would be backhanding
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would be backhanding
I
would have been backhanding
we
would have been backhanding
you
would have been backhanding
he/she/it
would have been backhanding
they
would have been backhanding
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