Transcription
-
- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
-
- [bak-han-did]
- /ˈbækˌhæn dɪd/
- /ˌbækˈhæn.dɪd/
-
- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [bak-han-did]
- /ˈbækˌhæn dɪd/
Definitions of backhanded word
- adjective backhanded A backhanded compliment is a remark which seems to be an insult but could also be understood as a compliment. A backhanded compliment is also a remark which seems to be a compliment but could also be understood as an insult. 3
- adjective backhanded If you say that someone is doing something in a backhanded way, they are doing it indirectly. 3
- adjective backhanded (of a blow, shot, stroke, etc) performed with the arm moving across the body 3
- adjective backhanded double-edged; equivocal 3
- adjective backhanded (of handwriting) slanting to the left 3
- adjective backhanded (of a rope) twisted in the opposite way to the normal right-handed direction 3
Information block about the term
Origin of backhanded
First appearance:
before 1790 One of the 43% newest English words
First recorded in 1790-1800; back2 + handed
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Backhanded
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
backhanded popularity
A pretty common term. Usually people know it’s meaning, but prefer to use a more spread out synonym. About 65% of English native speakers know the meaning and use word.
This word is included in each student's vocabulary. Most likely there is at least one movie with this word in the title.
backhanded usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for backhanded
adj backhanded
- sarcastic — of, relating to, or characterized by sarcasm: a sarcastic reply.
- ambiguous — If you describe something as ambiguous, you mean that it is unclear or confusing because it can be understood in more than one way.
- sardonic — characterized by bitter or scornful derision; mocking; cynical; sneering: a sardonic grin.
- double-edged — having two cutting edges, as a razor blade.
- two-edged — having two edges, as a sword.
adjective backhanded
- indirect — not in a direct course or path; deviating from a straight line; roundabout: an indirect course in sailing.
- doubtful — of uncertain outcome or result.
- oblique — neither perpendicular nor parallel to a given line or surface; slanting; sloping.
- insincere — not sincere; not honest in the expression of actual feeling; hypocritical.
- snide — derogatory in a nasty, insinuating manner: snide remarks about his boss.
noun backhanded
- phoniness — not real or genuine; fake; counterfeit: a phony diamond.
Top questions with backhanded
- what is a backhanded compliment?
- what is a backhanded comment?
See also
Matching words
- Words starting with b
- Words starting with ba
- Words starting with bac
- Words starting with back
- Words starting with backh
- Words starting with backha
- Words starting with backhan
- Words starting with backhand
- Words starting with backhande
- Words starting with backhanded