backslappers
|back-slap-pers|
🇺🇸
/ˈbæk.slæp.ərz/
🇬🇧
/ˈbæk.slæp.əz/
(backslapper)
one who slaps backs / mutual praise
Etymology
'backslapper' originates from English, specifically a compound of 'back' + 'slap' with the agentive suffix '-er' (meaning 'one who does').
'back' comes from Old English 'bæc' meaning 'back'; 'slap' is of imitative origin attested in Middle English and influenced by Germanic/Scandinavian forms. The compound 'backslap' (an act of slapping someone on the back) arose in Modern English and the agentive form 'backslapper' developed from that compound.
Initially it meant 'one who slaps another's back' (a literal action), but over time it also came to be used figuratively for 'one who flatters or offers insincere praise.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural form of 'backslapper'.
Backslappers crowded around the coach after the game.
Noun 2
people who slap another on the back as a gesture of congratulations or camaraderie; (informal) people who offer insincere praise or flattery.
The backslappers in the meeting tried to take credit for her work.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/27 07:12