In sports like tennis, a stroke made with the back of the hand facing forward. Can also refer to indirect or sarcastic comments, or actions done with the non-dominant side.
Compound of 'back' (Old English 'bæc') and 'hand' (Old English 'hand'). Originally described the reverse side of the hand, later specialized in sports terminology and extended metaphorically to describe indirect or insincere actions.
The backhand stroke revolutionized racquet sports because it allowed players to return balls on their non-dominant side with power rather than just defense. Metaphorically, 'backhanded' comments work similarly - they deliver a message indirectly, often with hidden criticism disguised as praise.
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