backslapping

American  

[bak-slap-ing] / ˈbækˌslæp ɪŋ /

noun

1. the practice of making a loud and effusive display of friendliness, cordiality, etc., as by slapping persons on the back.

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Other Word Forms

• backslapper noun

Etymology

Origin of backslapping

First recorded in 1770–80; back ¹ + slapping

Example Sentences

Brian Andersen testified during the first trial that he attended tennis tournaments weeks before the killings and remembered “excitement, jubilation, backslapping, compliments” from Jose and Mary Louise Menendez when Erik Menendez was winning.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 17, 2023

They describe him as a “loner” who “was not a backslapping politician.”

From Slate • Mar. 18, 2023

Reunions - some backslapping and cheery, others tearful - are everywhere as people run into old friends they haven't seen for months.

From BBC • Nov. 13, 2022

Truss is far less colorful, less verbose than her former backslapping boss — perhaps in a good way.

From Washington Post • Sep. 5, 2022

At Zach’s table, a celebration was going on, with lots of backslapping and high fives.

From "Schooled" by Gordon Korman