1765, "done with the hand turned backward," from backhand (q.v.). Figurative sense "oblique in meaning, indirect; ambivalent, sarcastic," is from 1777. Related: Backhandedly; backhandedness.
a backhanded and dishonest way of reaching his goal
attacks from that source amounted to a backhanded compliment to his integrity
backflip
back-formation
backgammon
background
backhand
backhanded
backhoe
backing
backlash
backless
backlist
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