Standard Lemma guide

backslap

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˈbæk.slæp/
  • CMU ARPABET: B AE1 K S L AE2 P Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To enthusiastically affirm or congratulate a person, especially by patting them on the back.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

display excessive cordiality (towards)

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • he is always backslapping his colleagues at staff meetings

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: act, behave, do

History

Etymology

From back + slap.