Is 'backie' a real word?

Yes, it is a recognised informal noun in British, Australian, and New Zealand English, included in many dictionaries of slang and colloquial language.

Can you say 'to backie' someone?

No, it is not standard to use it as a verb. The standard constructions are 'to give someone a backie' or 'to get a backie'.

It is generally considered unsafe, especially on roads, as bicycles are not designed for passengers without proper seats. It is a nostalgic, informal practice often discouraged by safety campaigns.

What's the American equivalent?

There is no single, widespread slang equivalent. Americans would describe the action literally, e.g., 'a ride on the handlebars' or 'a ride on the back of my bike'.

backie

Low (Casual, Informal)

UK/ˈbæk.i/USTerm not standard; pronunciation would follow spelling: /ˈbæk.i/

Informal, colloquial, slang. Used primarily in casual speech among friends or family, especially with children.

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

A free ride on the back of someone's bicycle or motorcycle.

Primarily used in British and some Commonwealth English to refer to a ride given to a passenger sitting on the rear rack, crossbar, or handlebars of a bicycle. Informally, it can sometimes refer to a ride on any two-wheeled vehicle without a proper passenger seat.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Implies informality, a favour, and a lack of formal passenger accommodation. The ride is typically short and not for official transport. Often associated with childhood or playful, makeshift transport.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

'Backie' is a chiefly British, Australian, and New Zealand term. In American English, the concept exists but the specific slang term is largely unknown. An American might describe it as 'a ride on the back' or 'a bike ride on the handlebars/crossbar.'

Connotations

In the UK, it has a slightly old-fashioned, nostalgic, or playful connotation. It suggests a casual, perhaps slightly illicit or adventurous activity (e.g., parents might say 'no backies' for safety reasons).

Frequency

Low in formal contexts, but recognizable to most native speakers in the UK. Very rare to non-existent in general American vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

give (someone) a backieget a backiehave a backie

medium

wants a backiequick backiebike backie

weak

backie homedangerous backiechild's backie

Grammar

Valency Patterns

VERB (give/have/get) + (Person) + a backieASK FOR + a backie

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

(none perfect)

Neutral

ride on the backlift (on a bike)

Weak

piggyback (specifically on a person, not a bike)

Vocabulary

Antonyms

front seatdrivingwalking

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“No specific idioms, but the phrase 'give us a backie!' is a common request.”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Not used.

Academic

Not used.

Everyday

Used in casual conversation, especially among children, teenagers, or parents recalling childhood. 'Can I have a backie home?'

Technical

Not used.

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

Backie is a noun; not used as a verb. One 'gets' or 'gives' a backie.

American English

Not applicable.

adverb

British English

Not used as an adverb.

American English

Not applicable.

adjective

British English

Not used as an adjective.

American English

Not applicable.

Examples

By CEFR Level

Dad, can I have a backie on your bike?
My brother gave me a backie to the park.

We used to get backies on my cousin's old bicycle when we were kids.
She hopped off and said, 'Thanks for the backie!'

The sign clearly said 'no passengers,' so giving her a backie was probably unwise.
He reminisced about the days of giving backies on his BMX.

The nostalgic concept of the 'backie' has faded with increased safety awareness and the prevalence of proper child bike seats.
Their spontaneous adventure began with a simple request for a backie down the lane.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a BACKpack on a bike → a BACKie is a person riding on the BACK of a bike.

Conceptual Metaphor

TRANSPORT IS A FAVOUR (a backie is a gifted, informal mode of transport).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Avoid translating directly as 'спина' (back). It's not about the body part but the ride. Do not confuse with 'обратно' (back as in return). The concept is 'прокатиться на багажнике/раме велосипеда'.

Common Mistakes

Using it in formal writing. Trying to use it as a verb by itself (e.g., 'I backied home' is non-standard; use 'I got a backie home'). Assuming it is understood in American English.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

When my bike had a puncture, my friend let me ride on his crossbar; he gave me a .

Multiple Choice

In which context would you most likely hear the word 'backie'?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: Yes, it is a recognised informal noun in British, Australian, and New Zealand English, included in many dictionaries of slang and colloquial language.
: No, it is not standard to use it as a verb. The standard constructions are 'to give someone a backie' or 'to get a backie'.
: It is generally considered unsafe, especially on roads, as bicycles are not designed for passengers without proper seats. It is a nostalgic, informal practice often discouraged by safety campaigns.
: There is no single, widespread slang equivalent. Americans would describe the action literally, e.g., 'a ride on the handlebars' or 'a ride on the back of my bike'.