What does backhandedly mean?
Backhandedly is an adverb meaning in an indirect, disingenuous, or unkind manner. Its common figurative use describes a remark or action that appears complimentary, helpful, or concerned on the surface but contains a hidden barb, insinuation, or criticism. A familiar example is a “backhanded compliment,” in which praise subtly conveys contempt or annoyance. The word can therefore suggest either deliberate insincerity or an unfortunate remark whose praise does not match its intended meaning. Less commonly, backhandedly has a literal meaning: with the back of the hand. This physical sense is much rarer in modern usage, especially outside descriptions of a particular gesture. In ordinary writing, backhandedly has a relatively formal, literary quality and often introduces irony that may not be immediately obvious to the reader. It is especially useful when the precise nature of the unkindness should be described without directly calling the speaker dishonest or malicious.
adverbIn an indirect, disingenuous, or unkind manner, especially by disguising criticism as praise or concern. It can also mean with the back of the hand.
- In an indirect, disingenuous, or unkind manner.
- With the back of the hand.
"She backhandedly praised the proposal, calling it “a bold step toward finishing the work.”"
"The politician backhandedly complimented his opponent, saying that the debate had at least revealed who could make the fewest sensible arguments."
"She brushed the dust from the table backhandedly, using the back of her hand."
A compliment that lands backward is a backhanded compliment—and “backhandedly” is the adverb for striking that way.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of backhandedly
Backhandedly is an English adverb formed from “backhanded” with the adverbial suffix “-ly.” “Backhanded” was formed from the compound “back hand,” with “-ed” giving the sense of something made or performed with the back of the hand. The figurative sense developed from the physical phrase and came to describe remarks that were insincere, indirect, or unkind.
How backhandedly is actually used
The figurative use is chiefly negative and mildly critical, suggesting that praise or concern is insincere or intended to wound. It is more common in writing and formal speech than in everyday conversation. The literal sense is relatively uncommon, and writers discussing tennis usually use “backhanded” rather than “backhandedly.”
Easily confused with backhandedly
Backhandedly is an adverb describing the manner of an action, whereas backhanded is principally an adjective describing a remark, gesture, or tennis stroke.