backbite
BAK-bite
/ˈbækbaɪt/
To speak maliciously about someone who is not present.
Backbite specifically implies betrayal. It is done behind the victim's back, often by someone who acts friendly to their face.
The story behind the word. A literal Old English compound of 'back' and 'bite'. It dates back to the 12th century, vividly describing the act of metaphorically biting someone from behind when they are unable to defend themselves.
Word relationships
- malign: Malign is a broader term for speaking ill of someone, while backbite specifically emphasizes doing it secretly behind their back.
- defend: To defend is to support someone, especially in their absence, while backbiting is attacking them in their absence.
Commonly confused with
- betray: Betray is a broad action of breaking trust, while backbiting is specifically verbal betrayal through gossip.
Word family
- backbiting (noun): The action of speaking maliciously about an absent person.
- backbiter (noun): A person who backbites.
Collocations
- backbite colleagues
- tendency to backbite
Example sentences
- "It is exhausting to work in an office where colleagues constantly backbite and undermine each other's achievements." Workplace culture
Memory hook
Imagine someone literally biting your back when you turn around. Biting someone's back when they turn away.
When not to use
Do not use backbite to describe open, face-to-face criticism or public debates.
Fun facts
- In medieval theology, backbiting was considered one of the 'sins of the tongue' and was often depicted in art as a demon whispering into a sinner's ear.
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