backhanded

[ bak-han-did ]

adjective

1. performed with the hand turned backward, crosswise, or in any oblique direction so that the palm of the hand faces in the direction of the body and the back of the hand faces in the direction of forward movement.
2. sloping in a downward direction from left to right:

   backhanded writing.

3. oblique or ambiguous in meaning; indirect; insincere or malicious; wry:

   backhanded methods; a backhanded compliment.

4. Ropemaking. noting a rope in which the yarns and the strands are laid in the same direction, the rope itself being laid in the opposite direction.

adverb

1. with the hand across the body; backhand:

   He caught the ball backhanded.

backhanded

/ ˌbækˈhændɪd /

adjective

1. (of a blow, shot, stroke, etc) performed with the arm moving across the body
2. double-edged; equivocal

   a backhanded compliment

3. (of handwriting) slanting to the left
4. (of a rope) twisted in the opposite way to the normal right-handed direction

adverb

1. in a backhanded manner

Derived Forms

• ˌbackˈhandedly, adverb
• ˌbackˈhandedness, noun

Other Words From

• backhanded·ly adverb
• backhanded·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of backhanded¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; back ² + handed

Example Sentences

It’s an inescapable backhanded label, causing a bitter division between the haves and the have-nots or in this case, the tall and short.

From Salon

This was the Graig Nettles defensive clinic series, as the Yankees third baseman saved several runs with outstanding backhanded grabs and long throws to retire runners.

From Los Angeles Times

Washington exclaimed after a successfully executed backhanded scoop.

From Los Angeles Times

He took the puck around the Milwaukee cage and backhanded it on net in one quick, fluid motion to make it 2-0 Firebirds.

From Seattle Times

Seguin was down on the ice and a bit dazed after Alex Pietrangelo took a big backhanded swing and connected to the face of the Stars forward when they were together against the boards.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• sarcastic