backslapping
|back-slap-ping|
/ˈbækˌslæpɪŋ/
(backslap)
slap on the back → praise/congratulate
Etymology
'backslap' originates from English, specifically a compound of 'back' and 'slap', where 'back' meant 'the rear part of the body' and 'slap' meant 'to strike with an open hand'.
'backslap' developed in modern English as a literal compound ('back' + 'slap') and later produced the gerund/participle 'backslapping' used both literally and figuratively.
Initially it meant 'to hit or strike someone's back' in a literal sense, but over time it evolved to include the current meanings of 'a congratulatory pat on the back' and the figurative sense of 'self-congratulatory praise'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an act of slapping someone's back, typically as a friendly or congratulatory gesture.
There was a lot of backslapping after the team won the game.
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Noun 2
boisterous or self-congratulatory praise; an atmosphere of mutual praise and flattery.
The conference turned into mere backslapping with few critical ideas voiced.
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Verb 1
present participle of 'backslap': to slap someone's back (often to congratulate or show approval).
He was backslapping his coworkers after the successful presentation.
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Adjective 1
marked by or given to enthusiastic, often superficial praise; characterized by mutual congratulation.
They described the event as a backslapping gathering rather than a serious forum.
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Last updated: 2025/12/27 07:26