Backpedalled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Pop Culture

• In political debates, candidates are often accused of backpedalling when they change their views to gain favor with voters.
• TV shows and movies frequently portray characters backpedalling after making bold claims, leading to comedic situations.
• The term has appeared in popular songs, often symbolizing regret or reconsideration of past actions.

Psychology

• Backpedalling can be tied to cognitive dissonance, the mental discomfort experienced when someone's beliefs contradict their actions.
• Research shows that people may backpedal to align their public statements with their personal beliefs after reflection.
• The phenomenon can be a self-protective mechanism to maintain social acceptance or to avoid confrontation.

Sports

• In soccer, players might be said to backpedal when they have to defend quickly by retreating toward their own goal.
• In basketball, a player may backpedal to maintain defensive position after an offensive play, making it a strategic move.
• The ability to backpedal effectively in sports can often demonstrate an athlete's agility, awareness, and quick thinking.

Literature

• Writers often depict characters backpedalling in their narratives to illustrate growth or change in their understanding.
• In non-fiction, authors may backpedal to clarify a previous statement or to address potential misunderstandings.
• This concept is often explored in fiction as part of character development, showing how individuals adapt to new challenges.

Main points about word origin

• The term combines 'back' with 'pedal', originally relating to cycling, where one pedals backward to slow down or stop.
• The phrase gained popularity in the late 20th century, particularly in political discourse.
• 'Backpedalled' often evokes the idea of retreating or reversing one's stance on an issue.

The term 'backpedal' originated in the early 20th century, derived from the literal action of pedalling backward, which is often associated with bicycles. The first noted usage in a figurative sense appeared around the 1970s, when it began to be used in political and conversational contexts to describe someone who was retracting a previously stated opinion or belief. As political discourse became more contentious, the term gained popularity, reflecting a wider cultural tendency toward indecision and shifting opinions. Today, 'backpedal' is widely recognized in both casual and formal language, used to depict moments of ambiguity or the reluctance to adhere to one’s statements.

With rank #43,244, 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.

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