backhanded v. + Add to list US //ˈbækˌhændɪd// UK //bˈækhændɪd// back·hand·ed SynonymsAntonymsEtymology Synonyms backhand Antonyms forehandOrigin From back + hand + -ed. Idioms1 entry01backhanded complimentAn insult disguised as a compliment; a compliment which can be interpreted as an insult.