redback: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Informal, regional (primarily Australian), technical (zoology).
Quick answer
What does “redback” mean?
A venomous Australian spider with a distinctive red stripe on its back.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A venomous Australian spider with a distinctive red stripe on its back.
A term for a dangerous, venomous creature; a generic brand of alcoholic spirit (historical Australian slang, 'redback rum'); a type of fire ant; a term for a US soldier (historical, from the red chevrons of rank).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the term is known primarily as an Australian import for the spider. In American English, the spider is less known; the term might be encountered in historical/military contexts or as a brand/ant name, but is not common.
Connotations
In Australian English: danger, venom, Australian wildlife. In other dialects: exotic danger or historical reference.
Frequency
High frequency in Australian English (common knowledge). Low to very low frequency in other dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “redback” in a Sentence
Be careful of the [redback] in the shed.The [redback] is known for its neurotoxic venom.He was bitten by a [redback].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “redback” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (No standard verb use)
American English
- (No standard verb use)
adverb
British English
- (No adverb use)
American English
- (No adverb use)
adjective
British English
- (Rarely used attributively, e.g., 'a redback infestation')
American English
- (Virtually never used)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Unlikely, except in tourism (e.g., wildlife safety warnings) or pest control.
Academic
Used in zoology, entomology, and Australian ecology papers.
Everyday
Common in Australian conversation regarding garden safety or wildlife.
Technical
Specific to arachnology and venom research.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “redback”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “redback”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “redback”
- Using 'redback' to refer to any red-marked spider outside Australia.
- Capitalising it as a proper noun (except in Latin binomial).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are close relatives in the same genus (Latrodectus) and have similar venom, but the redback (Latrodectus hasselti) is a distinct species native to Australia.
Its bite is venomous and painful, requiring medical attention. However, deaths are extremely rare since the development of antivenom in the 1950s.
In general contexts, it may not be understood. You would need to say 'Australian redback spider' for clarity.
Yes, but they are obscure: historical Australian slang for a type of rum, a type of fire ant, and a historical nickname for some US soldiers.
A venomous Australian spider with a distinctive red stripe on its back.
Redback is usually informal, regional (primarily australian), technical (zoology). in register.
Redback: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɛdbæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɛdˌbæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As sneaky as a redback (Australian, informal).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'red back' pack – but this one is on a spider and means you should back away!
Conceptual Metaphor
DANGER IS A CONCEALED PREDATOR (hides in sheds, under toilets).
Practice
Quiz
In which country is the term 'redback' most commonly used and understood to refer to a specific spider?