backlash

/ˈbækˌlæʃ/

//ˈbækˌlæʃ// noun

By · According to Wiktionary data (CC BY-SA) ·

"backlash" is a 8-letter English headword indexed on PlainSpell.

The verdict

“backlash” has 13 generated spelling variants in the English index at frequency #11,839. The variants make it a useful spelling check.

#11,839
frequency rank, English
31,241
“B” headwords
13
tracked misspellings

According to Wiktionary data (CC BY-SA, analyzed May 6, 2026) - A suddenly reversed or backward motion, such as of a rope or elastic band when it snaps under tension.

Key facts for backlash
PropertyValue
Headwordbacklash
LanguageEnglish
Part of speechNoun
IPA/ˈbækˌlæʃ/
Letters8
Frequency rank#11,839
Misspellings tracked13
Confusable pairs0
SourceWiktionary (kaikki.org)

Where “backlash” sits in English frequency

Every-word frequency runs from the handful of words we use constantly (left) to the long tail used once in a blue moon (right). backlash lands here:

#1#100#1K#10K#100K
← used constantlyrarely used →

Scale is logarithmic (each tick is 10× rarer). Source: FrequencyWords open word-frequency list.

A misspelling magnet

The generator records 13 spelling variants around backlash (IPA /ˈbækˌlæʃ/), anoun. Corpus frequency is #11,839 among 31,241 “B” headwords. Wiktionary lists 4 senses, so context still picks the gloss.

Our generated misspelling index lists 13 likely wrong-spelling variants for backlash, with forms such as "abcklash", "baccklash", and "backalsh". Every one of these variants traces to a single-character edit -- an added or dropped letter, a swapped consonant, or a vowel swap -- the kind of slip a spell-checker is built to catch. This headword has no recorded confusable partner, which usually means its spelling is distinct enough that readers don't reach for a similar-looking word instead.

Etymologically, the entry records: From back- + lash. The correct English form is backlash, spelled B-A-C-K-L-A-S-H.

Definition

  1. 1
    A suddenly reversed or backward motion, such as of a rope or elastic band when it snaps under tension.
  2. 2
    A negative reaction, objection or outcry, especially of a violent or abrupt nature.
  3. 3
    The looseness through which one part of connected machinery, such as a wheel, gear, piston, or screw, can be moved without moving the connected parts, or a measurement of the distance moved thereby; either intentional (as allowance) or unintentional (from error or wear).
  4. 4
    The jarring or reflex motion caused in badly fitting machinery by irregularities in velocity or a reverse of motion.

Etymology

From back- + lash.

This word in other languages

reacción(Español)retour de bâton(Français)zurückspringen(Deutsch)coice(Português)

Common misspellings

Also misspelled as:

  • abcklash
  • baccklash
  • backalsh
  • backklash
  • backlahs
  • backlashh
  • backlassh
  • backllash
  • backlsah
  • baclkash
  • bakclash
  • bbacklash
  • bcaklash

Misspelling Pattern Breakdown

How far each generated variant is from the correct spelling of backlash - measured in single-character edits (insert, delete, or substitute a letter). Larger bars are easier to catch; one-edit slips are the sneakiest.

abcklash2baccklash1backalsh2backklash1backlahs2backlashh1backlassh1backllash1
Edit distance from "backlash"

Definitions, pronunciation, and etymology for this entry are drawn from Wiktionary via the kaikki.org structured extract (CC BY-SA); frequency ordering uses the FrequencyWords open word-frequency list (2018 English corpus, MIT). See the methodology for how each field is sourced and updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you spell "backlash"?
"backlash" is spelled B-A-C-K-L-A-S-H. The IPA pronunciation is /ˈbækˌlæʃ/.
What does "backlash" mean?
As a noun, "backlash" means: A suddenly reversed or backward motion, such as of a rope or elastic band when it snaps under tension.
What are common misspellings of "backlash"?
Common misspellings include "abcklash", "baccklash", "backalsh", "backklash", "backlahs". The correct spelling is "backlash".
How do you pronounce "backlash"?
The IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription for "backlash" is /ˈbækˌlæʃ/. Click the speaker icon on the pronunciation badge above to hear it spoken aloud where audio is available.
What is the origin of the word "backlash"?
From back- + lash. See the full etymology section above for more details.
Is PlainSpell free to use?
Yes, PlainSpell is a completely free word reference. You can look up definitions, pronunciations, confusable pairs, homophones, and spelling corrections across 5 languages without any sign-up or subscription.

Using “backlash”

The practical upshot for anyone who landed here from a spell-check.

  • The one correct English spelling is B-A-C-K-L-A-S-H - every other letter order is a misspelling in standard orthography.
  • Say it as /ˈbækˌlæʃ/ (IPA); tap the speaker on the pronunciation badge to hear it where audio exists.
  • Browse more English words and confusable pairs in the same reference. English words

Same frequency band

Data Source

Wiktionary (via kaikki.org), licensed under CC BY-SA & GFDL. Word ordering uses an open word-frequency list; misspelling variants are generated by edit-distance from the correct headword.

Source: Wiktionary (via kaikki.org) Structured Wiktionary extract

Source: FrequencyWords open word-frequency list FrequencyWords open word-frequency list