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Glite Dictionary
to backslap

to backslap

6.4
To pat someone on the back to show approval or friendliness
  • verb
  • /ˈbækˌslæp/
translation icon : dar una palmadita en la espalda
  • At the celebration, friends gathered to backslap each other, sharing stories of their successes.

Examples

  • Twitter is overrun by guys who like to get off by calling people names and then backslap each other.

    Blog text (26)

  • I started crying, and he lifted his hand to backslap me as I cringed.

    Fiction book (2002)

  • After winning the game, the coach backslapped his best player, showing his appreciation for the hard work.

  • The manager backslapped the team for their great effort during the project, praising their dedication.

Synonyms

to dap
vsto backslap
  • Slang
1 8.8

To touch someone lightly to greet them, often by bumping fists

is a stronger pat on the person's back showing enthusiasm or approval

How Enthusiastic

to slap
492 1.0
to backslap
6.4
to pat
110 1.0
tap
66 1.0

Surface Forms

backslap infinitive
backslapped past
backslapped past participle
backslapping present participle
backslaps third person singular

Morphology

backslap = back + slap (transparent) = back + slap

The meaning is a straightforward combination of 'back' + 'slap' (to slap on the back), which learners can readily infer.

Etymology

Backslap comes from the two simple words back ('the back of the body') and slap ('a quick, loud hit'). It began as a real 'slap' on someone's 'back' and now usually means a loud, friendly pat or praise to show approval or to seem friendly.