backhanded
|back/hand/ed|
B2
/ˈbækˌhændɪd/
indirect or insincere
Etymology
Etymology Information
'backhanded' originates from the combination of 'back' and 'handed', where 'back' refers to the reverse side and 'handed' refers to the manner of using the hand.
Historical Evolution
'backhanded' evolved from the literal sense of using the back of the hand in sports to its figurative sense of indirectness.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to a physical action in sports, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of indirect or insincere.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having a meaning that is not directly expressed; indirect or ambiguous, often with a negative connotation.
Her compliment was so backhanded that it felt more like an insult.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42