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backhanded Definition

back·handed (-han′did)

adjective

  1. backhand
  2. expressing or expressed in an indirect or sarcastic way; not sincere; equivocal a backhanded compliment
  3. Sports performed by backhanding the ball a backhanded catch

adverb

with a backhand

backhanded Synonyms

backhanded

modif.

oblique, ambiguous, equivocal, sarcastic; see indirect, obscure 1.

backhanded Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • compliment: They're cribbed from reviews - most of them are backhanded compliments, sort of, one of the ongoing things.
  • way: I'm not saying that the Parliamentarians didn't do a bit of good in a backhanded way.

Modifying Another Word

  • somewhat: It has been suggested, however, that this somewhat backhanded compliment was intended rather to rub salt into Hooke's wounds.
  • rather: Our fourth opportunity, albeit a rather backhanded one, is to throw away all this collaborative baggage.