backhandedness
|back-hand-ed-ness|
/ˌbækˈhæn.dɪd.nəs/
insincere, indirect insult disguised as praise
Etymology
'backhandedness' originates from English, specifically formed from the adjective 'backhanded' (backhand + -ed) with the nominalizing suffix '-ness'; 'backhand' itself is a compound of 'back' + 'hand'.
'backhand' comes from the combination of Old English elements 'bæc' (back) and 'hand' (hand); the term came to denote a stroke made with the back side of the hand and later the opposite side of the dominant hand in sports. The adjectival and figurative sense ('indirect' or 'insincere') developed later, and '-ness' was added to form the noun 'backhandedness'.
Initially, components literally referred to 'back' + 'hand' and the word described a physical stroke; over time a figurative sense developed meaning 'indirect or insincere (especially praise that conceals an insult)', which is now a primary sense of 'backhandedness'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or state of giving praise or a compliment that is actually insulting or contains an implicit criticism (as in a 'backhanded compliment').
Her backhandedness showed when she told him, "You're surprisingly knowledgeable for someone who didn't go to college."
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Noun 2
the state or quality of using a backhand (a stroke performed with the back of the hand or the opposite side of the dominant hand), especially in sports like tennis — a literal, physical sense.
The player's backhandedness improved after months of practice on that particular stroke.
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Last updated: 2025/12/26 07:52