backhanded
backhanded · more backhanded · most backhanded
With the back of the handWith the back of the hand.
/ˈbækˌhændəd/
» The English teacher uses subtle, backhanded compliments that undermine the non-native speakers' abilities.
Meaning
8 sensesWith the back of the hand.
(of racket strokes) made across the body with back of hand facing direction of stroke
Involving a backward flip of the hand.
Insincere, sarcastic, ironic, or self-contradictory.
Indirect.
Backwards, turned around.
Inclining to the left
Retrospective, occurring after the fact rather than in advance.
Self-serving, corrupt, slipshod, or neglectful.
Examples
2 sentencesThe English teacher uses subtle, backhanded compliments that undermine the non-native speakers' abilities.
Tom backhanded me.
Translations
2 languagesOrigin
From back + hand + -ed.From back + hand + -ed.
Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Forms
more backhanded, most backhanded| Comparative | more backhanded Lesson |
|---|---|
| Superlative | most backhanded Lesson |
regular
Synonyms
1 synonymsClose in meaning
- (of racket strokes) made across the body with back of hand facing direction of stroke:backhand
Word family
3 related wordsLessons for this word
2 lessons- A2Comparatives — Because it has a comparative form
- A2Superlatives — Because it has a superlative form