The spelling of the word "back watered" can be a bit tricky. It is pronounced as /ˈbæk ˈwɔtəd/ and means that a river or stream has risen to cause an overflow. The word "back" here refers to water flowing backward due to the blockage caused by a flood. The spelling of "back watered" reflects the word's origin, which goes back to the Old English word "bac," meaning back, and "waterian," meaning to flood. So next time you hear someone say "back watered," you'll know how to spell it correctly!