backhand

/ˈbækˌhænd/
adjective
  1. Relating to or made with a backhand stroke or motion.
    • He has a strong backhand swing in tennis.
    • Her backhand technique improved after weeks of practice.
    • The coach taught us a new backhand grip.
  2. Indirect or oblique, often in a way that is not straightforward or is slightly insulting.
    • The review was a backhand compliment, praising the effort but not the result.
    • Her backhand remark about his job made everyone uncomfortable.
    • He made a backhand comment about her cooking that hurt her feelings.
noun
  1. A stroke or shot in tennis and similar sports made with the back of the hand facing the direction of the stroke.
    • His backhand was so powerful that his opponent couldn't return it.
    • She practiced her backhand for hours to improve her tennis game.
    • The coach showed the beginner how to hold the racket for a backhand.
  2. A blow or slap delivered with the back of the hand.
    • He gave the dog a gentle backhand to stop it from jumping.
    • In the old movie, the angry king delivered a backhand to the messenger.
    • The villain's backhand sent the hero stumbling backward.
  3. Handwriting that slopes to the left.
    • He learned backhand calligraphy from his grandmother.
    • The old letter was written in a neat backhand style.
    • Her backhand was elegant but hard for others to read.
Antonyms
adverb
  1. In a backhand manner; with a backhand stroke or motion.
    • He returned the serve backhand, surprising his opponent.
    • The player can hit equally well forehand or backhand.
    • She hit the ball backhand across the court.
verb
  1. To hit or strike with a backhand motion, especially in sports.
    • She backhanded the ball cross-court for a winner.
    • The player backhanded the return so fast the opponent couldn't react.
    • He backhanded the shuttlecock just over the net.
  2. To hit or slap with the back of the hand.
    • The guard backhanded the prisoner across the face.
    • She backhanded the mosquito that landed on her arm.
    • In frustration, he backhanded the table, knocking over a glass.
What does "backhand" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean