Pronunciation: [bˈakhand] (IPA) 
The word "backhand" is spelled as /ˈbækˌhænd/. The first syllable "back" is pronounced as /bæk/ which is the same as the word "back" meaning the opposite of front. The second syllable "hand" is pronounced as /hænd/ which refers to the body part at the end of the arm. Together, the word "backhand" refers to a type of tennis shot where the racket is swung across the body with the back of the hand facing the direction of the shot.
Backhand is a term with multiple meanings and usages across various contexts. It is often associated with sports, particularly racket sports like tennis and badminton. In this context, the backhand refers to a stroke or shot played with the back of the hand facing in the direction of the stroke. It is the opposite of a forehand stroke, where the palm of the hand faces in the direction of the stroke. The backhand stroke requires the player to swing the racket from the non-dominant side of the body, which can make it more challenging for some individuals.
Beyond the sporting realm, backhand can also be used as a verb to describe a specific way of hitting someone, typically with the back of the hand. It signifies a striking motion where the person's palm is facing downward, and their fingers are extended. In a more colloquial sense, backhand can also refer to someone's disposition or attitude, specifically when they are being critical, dismissive, or condescending in their approach. This usage suggests a figurative strike, similar to the physical gesture, providing commentary on a person's style of communication or behavior. Overall, the term "backhand" is versatile, finding its place in sports, physical actions, and even metaphorical descriptions of interpersonal dynamics.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "backhand" originated in the late 16th century. It is composed of two parts: "back" and "hand".
"Back" comes from the Old English word "bæc", which referred to the rear part or behind. It has Germanic roots and is related to the Dutch "bak" and German "Rücken".
"Hand" is an Old English word that dates back to the Middle English period, coming from the Germanic language family.
When combined, "back" and "hand" form "backhand", which originally referred to a specific type of stroke in tennis or other racket sports. The use of "backhand" in sports terminology likely comes from the idea that the back of the hand faces outward or away from the body when using this stroke.
