backhanding
|back-hand-ing|
/ˈbæk.hænd/
(backhand)
strike with the back of the hand
Etymology
'backhanding' originates from English, specifically the compound 'backhand', where 'back' meant 'the rear side' and 'hand' meant 'hand'.
'backhanding' changed from the Middle English compound 'back-hand' (literally 'back' + 'hand') and the term developed into the modern English 'backhand' and its derived forms such as 'backhanded' and 'backhanding'.
Initially it meant 'with the back of the hand; a blow given with the back of the hand', but over time it also came to denote a tennis stroke and figuratively evolved into senses like 'indirect or insincere' (as in 'backhanded compliment').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the action or instance of hitting with the back of the hand; in sports, a stroke played with the back of the hand (especially in tennis).
Her backhanding improved after a week of drills.
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Verb 1
present participle or gerund form of 'backhand'.
Backhanding the ball requires a smooth wrist action.
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Verb 2
striking or hitting something/someone with the back of the hand (a backhand blow).
He kept backhanding the fly away from the table.
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Adjective 1
relating to or done with a backhand; (rare) resembling a backhand in nature.
The coach criticized the player's backhanding motion.
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Last updated: 2025/12/26 08:20