backhander
C2Informal, euphemistic (for bribery); also technical in sports contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A bribe or a secret payment, often dishonest or illicit, given to influence a decision.
1. A blow or stroke delivered with the back of the hand (literal). 2. (Sports, chiefly tennis) A shot played with the back of the hand facing the direction of the stroke. 3. A strong, unpleasant, or critical remark (informal).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The 'bribe' sense is the most common in modern usage. It implies a covert, often casual transaction. The term carries a connotation of underhandedness. The sports sense is more literal and neutral.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The 'bribe' meaning is primarily British. In American English, the sports/literal meaning is more likely, though 'bribe' sense is understood. Americans more often use 'kickback', 'bribe', or 'payoff'.
Connotations
In UK: Strongly associated with corruption, informal dealings, politics, and journalism. In US: Primarily evokes a literal backhand stroke or a surprising insult.
Frequency
High frequency (as 'bribe') in UK media/informal contexts. Low frequency in US, except in sports commentary or specific literary/cultural references.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
accept/take a backhandergive/offer/pay a backhander (to someone)be accused of taking a backhanderVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the backhander (UK informal: receiving bribes regularly)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Discussions of corruption, securing contracts, or unethical practices.
Academic
Rare; found in political science, sociology, or criminology papers on corruption.
Everyday
Used in news discussions about scandals, or jokingly about minor favours.
Technical
Tennis/squash coaching: describing a specific stroke technique.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The tennis player hit a perfect backhander down the line.
- He was accused of giving a backhander to get the building permit.
- The journalist alleged that the councillor had taken a hefty backhander from the property developer.
- Her backhander winner secured the match point.
- The whole procurement process was tainted by rumours of backhanders and covert agreements.
- Investigators are looking into whether the contract was awarded on merit or via a series of elaborate backhanders.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of someone slipping money with a hand behind their BACK, HANDing it over secretly -> BACKHANDER.
Conceptual Metaphor
CORRUPTION IS A COVERT PHYSICAL EXCHANGE (a hand-to-hand transaction).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'обратный удар' (counterblow). Avoid direct translation; the 'bribe' sense is not present in the Russian compound 'бэкхенд' (sports term).
Common Mistakes
- Using it to mean 'a person who gives support from behind' (incorrect). Confusing it with 'backhanded compliment' (which is an insult disguised as praise).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'backhander' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In its primary 'bribe' sense, yes, it refers to an illicit payment intended to corruptly influence someone. In sports, it's a neutral technical term.
Very rarely. The verb form is almost non-existent. The action is described with phrases like 'give a backhander' or 'take a backhander'.
They are close synonyms. A 'kickback' often implies a return of a portion of a payment made under a contract, while a 'backhander' can be any secret bribe to secure a favour or decision.
For the 'bribe' sense, it is informal/euphemistic. In formal legal or academic contexts, terms like 'bribe', 'illicit payment', or 'gratuity' are preferred. The sports term is neutral and acceptable.