BACKHANDED

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does backhanded mean? 

• BACKHANDED (adjective)
  The adjective BACKHANDED has 2 senses:

1. (of racket strokes) made across the body with back of hand facing direction of stroke

2. roundabout or ambiguous

  Familiarity information: BACKHANDED used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• BACKHANDED (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

(of racket strokes) made across the body with back of hand facing direction of stroke

Synonyms:

backhand; backhanded

Sense 2

Meaning:

Roundabout or ambiguous

Context example:

a backhanded and dishonest way of reaching his goal

Similar:

indirect (extended senses; not direct in manner or language or behavior or action)

 Context examples 

‘Take that, then,’ says he, and it’s a clip on the nose, or a backhanded slap across the chops as likely as not.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

And here, said Mr. Peggotty, giving Ham a backhanded knock in the chest, is another of 'em, though he don't look much like it.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)