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

It was an unusual move for a largely anonymous congressman, known on the House floor as a chummy veteran of the backslapping “Pennsylvania corner.”

From New York Times • Oct. 24, 2022

Syl’s ma and pa got out and took to hugging and backslapping the ferryman.

From "The Journey of Little Charlie" by Christopher Paul Curtis