# backhanded

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ˈbækˌhændəd/ · frequency rank #59,872

## Definitions
1. With the back of the hand.
2. Involving a backward flip of the hand.
3. Insincere, sarcastic, ironic, or self-contradictory.
4. Indirect.
5. Backwards, turned around.
6. inclining to the left
7. Retrospective, occurring after the fact rather than in advance.
8. Self-serving, corrupt, slipshod, or neglectful.

## Etymology
From back + hand + -ed.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/backhanded