backhand
B2Specialized (Sports), Formal/Technical (Handwriting)
Definition
Meaning
A stroke, especially in tennis or similar racket sports, made with the back of the hand facing the direction of the stroke.
Handwriting that slopes to the left (British). Also used to describe a slap or blow with the back of the hand, or something written or done in an indirect or underhand way.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary meaning is in sports. The handwriting meaning is chiefly British and technical. The 'indirect/underhand' sense is metaphorical and often used in phrases like 'a backhanded compliment'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'backhand' can describe leftward-sloping handwriting; this usage is rare in American English. The adjective 'backhanded' (meaning indirect/insincere) is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
In sports, neutral. In handwriting (UK), descriptive but technical. 'Backhanded compliment' has a negative connotation of insincerity.
Frequency
The sports term is dominant and universal. The handwriting sense is low-frequency even in the UK.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
She BACKHANDED the ball cross-court.He has a devastating BACKHAND.She BACKHANDED the letter onto the desk.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “backhanded compliment”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in the metaphorical phrase 'backhanded compliment' in discussions of feedback or communication.
Academic
Rare. May appear in sports science literature or historical analysis of penmanship.
Everyday
Common when discussing tennis, squash, or badminton. 'Backhanded compliment' is used in general conversation.
Technical
Core term in racket sports coaching. Specific term in graphology/palaeography (handwriting analysis).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She managed to backhand the return brilliantly.
American English
- He backhanded a winner down the line.
adverb
British English
- He slapped the ball backhand across the court.
American English
- She hit it backhand from the baseline.
adjective
British English
- Her backhand stroke is her greatest weapon.
- He wrote in a neat backhand script.
American English
- He has a powerful backhand shot.
- The comment was a classic backhanded insult.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In tennis, you can hit the ball with a forehand or a backhand.
- Her backhand is stronger than her forehand, which is unusual.
- He executed a perfect topspin backhand winner from a difficult position.
- The historian noted the diplomat's correspondence was in a distinctive, almost illegible backhand.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a tennis player TURNING THEIR BACK to the net to hit the ball with the BACK of their hand facing forward.
Conceptual Metaphor
INDIRECT ACTION IS A BACKHANDED ACTION (e.g., a backhanded compliment comes from the side, not straight).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'back side' or 'rear hand'. The sports term is a specific 'удар слева' (left-hand stroke) or 'бэкхенд'. The handwriting term has no direct Russian equivalent.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'backhand' to mean 'support' or 'assistance' (e.g., 'I'll give you a backhand' is incorrect).
- Misspelling as 'back hand' as a noun (the solid form 'backhand' is standard for the stroke).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'backhanded compliment'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun for the stroke or handwriting style, it is one solid word: 'backhand'. The verb is also 'backhand'. 'Back hand' as two words is not standard for these meanings.
Yes, in sports contexts (e.g., 'She backhanded the ball into the corner'). It can also mean to hit with the back of the hand.
A forehand is hit with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the stroke, while a backhand is hit with the back of the hand facing forward.
No, it is a technical term used in graphology or by handwriting experts. In everyday language, people would simply describe the writing as 'sloping to the left'.