backstairs

or back·stair

[ bak-stairz ]

adjective

1. associated or originating with household servants:

   Weak tea and burnt toast evidenced the start of a backstairs revolt.

2. secret, underhanded, or scandalous:

   backstairs gossip.

backstairs

/ ˈbækˈstɛəz /

plural noun

1. a secondary staircase in a house, esp one originally for the use of servants

adjective

1. underhand

   backstairs gossip

Word History and Origins

Origin of backstairs¹

First recorded in 1635–45; adjective use of back stairs

Example Sentences

Which means that every seat contains someone who is reclining straight into the lap of their backstairs neighbor.

From The Daily Beast

You ought to employ a few supple Politiques, accustomed to palace backstairs.

From Project Gutenberg

Keep a good heart, even if you have to knock in vain at many doors, and kick about the backstairs of the house of letters.

From Project Gutenberg

Nevertheless, Comstock neglected no chance to apply his backstairs pressure to the members of both Houses.

From Project Gutenberg

The minister was pleased that this man did not try to get in by backstairs influence, but came direct by the front entrance.

From Project Gutenberg

The explanation was Madam Hermansen, who had the backstairs entry of every house in Knarreby.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• classified
• confidential
• covert
• furtive
• hush-hush
• restricted
• secretive
• surreptitious