Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

backslapping

[bak-slap-ing]
See more synonyms on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. the practice of making a loud and effusive display of friendliness, cordiality, etc., as by slapping persons on the back.

Origin of backslapping

First recorded in 1770–80; back1 + slapping
Related formsback·slap·per, noun

backslap

[bak-slap]
verb (used with object), back·slapped, back·slap·ping.
  1. to subject to backslapping.
verb (used without object), back·slapped, back·slap·ping.
  1. to engage in backslapping.
noun
  1. a hearty slap on the back given as a token of affability or congratulation: The bridegroom received many a warm handshake and backslap.

Origin of backslap

First recorded in 1925–30; back1 + slap1
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for back-slapping

Historical Examples

  • Isn't the thing he lacks the back-slapping jocosity that passes for humor here?

    Main Street

    Sinclair Lewis

  • Only the Governor's back-slapping mediation had allowed them to reach a politically stable relationship.

    A Mixture of Genius

    Arnold Castle

  • Such hand-shaking and back-slapping and outcries of honest pleasure as greeted him!

  • Here happened that accident of the back-slapping so frequently alluded to by her ladyship.

  • Loud, back-slapping men, gabbling endlessly about baseball players.

British Dictionary definitions for back-slapping

back-slapping

adjective
  1. energetically jovial; hearty
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012