Backbitten: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฃ๏ธ
backbitten
[ bรฆkหbษชtษn ]
gossip, betrayal
Backbitten refers to the act of speaking negatively about someone behind their back. It implies a sense of treachery or disloyalty, as the person being discussed is unaware of the negative sentiments being expressed. This behavior often leads to mistrust and can harm relationships within social or professional circles. It highlights the negative aspects of human interaction and can be seen as a form of emotional harm.
Synonyms
betray, defame, malign, slander
Examples of usage
- She backbitten about her colleague during lunch.
- It's not right to backbite; instead, we should discuss issues directly.
- He was known for backbiting, which cost him many friendships.
Translations
Translations of the word "backbitten" in other languages:
๐ต๐น falar mal de alguรฉm
๐ฎ๐ณ เคชเฅเค เคชเฅเคเฅ เคฌเคพเคคเฅเค เคเคฐเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช hinterhรคltig
๐ฎ๐ฉ menggunjing
๐บ๐ฆ ะฝะฐะบะปะตะฟ
๐ต๐ฑ obgadywanie
๐ฏ๐ต ่ฃๅใ
๐ซ๐ท parler dans le dos
๐ช๐ธ hablar a las espaldas
๐น๐ท dedikodu yapmak
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ค์์ ํ๋ดํ๋ค
๐ธ๐ฆ ุบุฏุฑ
๐จ๐ฟ pomlouvat
๐ธ๐ฐ ohovรกraลฅ
๐จ๐ณ ่ๅ่ฏดไบบๅ่ฏ
๐ธ๐ฎ obrekovati
๐ฎ๐ธ baki tala um einhvern
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฐัาะฐััะฝะฐะฝ ัำฉะนะปะตั
๐ฌ๐ช แฃแแแแแ แกแแฃแแแ แ
๐ฆ๐ฟ arxadan danฤฑลmaq
๐ฒ๐ฝ hablar a las espaldas
Etymology
The word 'backbitten' originates from the combination of 'back' and 'bite', where 'bite' comes from the Old English 'bytan', meaning to bite or sting. The term evolved over time to refer specifically to the metaphorical act of harming someone through malicious talk or gossip, without their knowledge. It reflects the notion of betrayal, as it denotes an action that is both covert and detrimental. The concept of discussing others in a negative light dates back to ancient times, with mentions in literature signifying its long-standing presence in social dynamics. Its usage has been documented in various contexts, indicating its relevance in describing interpersonal relationships and the complexities associated with trust and loyalty.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #43,465, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.