Backbiter: meaning, definitions and examples

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backbiter

[ˈbækˌbaɪtər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

personality trait

A backbiter is someone who speaks negatively about someone behind their back, often in a deceitful or treacherous manner.

Synonyms

backstabber, gossip, slanderer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
backbiter	This word is used to describe someone who speaks ill of others behind their back. It conveys a sense of betrayal and dishonesty. John thought he could trust Sarah, but later discovered she was a backbiter.
gossip	This word refers to someone who talks about other people's private lives, often spreading rumors. It can be used in both casual and negative scenarios. He's known to be a gossip, always spreading news about everyone in the office.
slanderer	A slanderer is someone who tells lies or makes harmful statements about others to damage their reputation. This word has a strong legal and negative connotation. The celebrity sued the tabloid for being a slanderer and spreading false stories.
backstabber	This term describes a person who betrays someone, especially a friend, for personal gain or out of malice. It often implies a particularly shocking and hurtful betrayal. She couldn't believe her best friend was a backstabber who took credit for her work.

Examples of usage

He pretended to be her friend, but he was actually a backbiter who spread rumors about her.
Don't trust him, he is known to be a backbiter.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

animal behavior

In zoology, a backbiter is a term used to describe a horse that bites people or other horses from behind.

Synonyms

biter, marauder, nibbler.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
backbiter	Used to describe someone who speaks negatively about others behind their backs, typically in a derogatory way. Often has a negative connotation. During the meeting, Helen found out that Tom was a backbiter, spreading rumors about her
biter	This term usually describes an animal or person who bites, often indicating a habit or tendency rather than a deliberate act of malice. The baby is a biter; you have to be careful when playing with her
nibbler	Refers to someone or something that eats small amounts of food slowly or in small bites, usually in a harmless and often endearing way. He's such a nibbler, it takes him forever to finish his meal
marauder	Used to describe someone who roams in search of things to steal or people to attack. Often associated with a group or an individual with lawless behavior, and generally used for more serious or dramatic contexts. The village was attacked by marauders who stole livestock and valuables

Examples of usage

Be careful around that horse, it's a backbiter and has a tendency to bite unexpectedly.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'backbite' originates from the 14th century, combining 'back' (behind) and 'bite' (to hurt or harm).
It was first recorded in written form in Geoffrey Chaucer's work, where he warned against speaking poorly of others.
By the 16th century, the word became popular in English literature, often to highlight betrayal among friends.

Psychology

Backbiting can stem from jealousy or insecurity, often revealing more about the backbiter than the person being talked about.
Research indicates that gossiping, including backbiting, can provide social bonding among groups, despite its harmful effects.
Victims of backbiting may experience anxiety and trust issues, while the backbiter may face social backlash when their actions are discovered.

Literature

In Shakespeare's plays, characters often engage in backbiting, showcasing themes of betrayal and deception.
Modern literature frequently explores the consequences and moral dilemmas surrounding backbiting in friendships and relationships.
Famous novels, like 'The Great Gatsby,' exemplify the destructive nature of gossip and social rivalry.

Cultural Perspectives

Different cultures have various sayings about backbiting, such as 'talking behind someone's back,' emphasizing universal disapproval.
In many societies, public image is crucial, leading to an increase in gossip and backbiting as a way to maintain social hierarchy.
Some cultures encourage direct communication over backbiting to foster honesty and transparency among individuals.

Social Media Impact

The rise of social media has amplified backbiting, where negative comments can spread quickly and reach a wide audience.
Online backbiting often leads to public shaming, as individuals may feel emboldened to speak poorly while remaining anonymous.
Studies show that digital backbiting can have lasting effects on mental health, both for the victim and perpetrator, due to the permanence of online content.

Translations

Translations of the word "backbiter" in other languages:

🇵🇹 caluniador

🇮🇳 पीठ पीछे बुराई करने वाला

🇩🇪 Verleumder

🇮🇩 pengumpat

🇺🇦 наклепник

🇵🇱 oszczerca

🇯🇵 中傷者

🇫🇷 calomniateur

🇪🇸 calumniador

🇹🇷 iftiracı

🇰🇷 중상자

🇸🇦 نمام

🇨🇿 pomlouvač

🇸🇰 ohovárač

🇨🇳 诽谤者

🇸🇮 obrekovalec

🇮🇸 rógber

🇰🇿 жамандаушы

🇬🇪 ცილისმწამებელი

🇦🇿 böhtançı

🇲🇽 calumniador

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,776, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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41773 broadsided
41774 unshackling
41775 notarizing
41776 backbiter
41777 catmint
41778 abnegate
41779 tipsily
...