adjective An adjective describes or modifies a noun or pronoun. In this case, 'backhanded' describes a type of action or compliment that is indirect or insincere.
A backhanded endorsement is when a politician or public figure expresses support for someone or something in a way that is not entirely positive.
A backhanded apology is when someone apologizes but also subtly blames the other person or makes excuses for their behavior.
A backhanded shot in tennis is when a player hits the ball with the back of their hand facing the direction of the shot.
A backhanded narrative technique is when a story or character's actions subtly reveal their true intentions or feelings.
A backhanded compliment is a statement that seems like a compliment but is actually insulting or critical.
In the context of writing, 'backhanded' can be used to describe a subtle or indirect insult or compliment. For example, a writer might use backhanded compliments in dialogue between characters to create tension or reveal underlying emotions.
Psychologists might use the term 'backhanded' when discussing passive-aggressive behavior or communication patterns in therapy sessions. They may help clients recognize and address backhanded compliments or insults in their relationships.
Lawyers may use 'backhanded' to describe a tactic or argument that appears to be supportive or positive on the surface but actually undermines the opposing party's position. This could be seen in legal negotiations or courtroom strategies.
In marketing, 'backhanded' could refer to a sneaky or deceptive approach to promoting a product or service. For example, a marketing specialist might analyze competitors' backhanded marketing tactics to develop a more transparent and ethical marketing strategy.