backslap
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
noun
Etymology
Origin of backslap
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Afterward, Mbappe was consoled by his country’s president, Emmanuel Macron, while Messi was congratulated by an emir, with Qatar’s leader giving him a Bisht, a black and gold robe, and a backslap.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 18, 2022
His tone is both more dire than the president’s and more emotional — a kind of virtual New York backslap next to Mr. Trump’s outer borough pitchmanship.
From New York Times ● Mar. 30, 2020
But the eagerness to backslap Sandler for the type of puerile and incurious humor he’s been peddling for the past two decades is revealing on its own, too.
From Slate ● Nov. 7, 2018
He welcomes regulars with a hug or a backslap.
From Washington Post ● Dec. 27, 2016
His idiom consists exclusively of backslap and bluster.
From The New Yorker ● Sep. 21, 2015
He sold off the presidential yacht, where many of his predecessors had backslapped their way to legislative triumphs.
From Slate ● Dec. 29, 2024
During her victory speech last Tuesday in Brooklyn, Clinton openly backslapped Sanders.
From Time ● Jun. 13, 2016
Democrats and Republicans alike hugged and backslapped, got themselves sworn in and offered a few clues about the issues ahead.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 7, 2014
Roberts then blasted his own grand slam, and after the four Diamondbacks backslapped their way to the dugout, the fans demanded that Roberts take a bow.
From New York Times ● Oct. 6, 2011
Dale returned to his seat while the men backslapped each other and said jovial things back and forth.
From "It All Comes Down to This" by Karen English
Trump is scheduled to land in Beijing on Wednesday night and leave Friday local time—giving the leaders two days of backslapping and handshaking.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 10, 2026
A fan of Don Rickles and Howard Stern, he didn’t approach comedy with a scientist’s mind but, rather, like a backslapping buddy.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 20, 2024
They describe him as a “loner” who “was not a backslapping politician.”
From Slate ● Mar. 18, 2023
Reunions - some backslapping and cheery, others tearful - are everywhere as people run into old friends they haven't seen for months.
From BBC ● Nov. 13, 2022
At Zach’s table, a celebration was going on, with lots of backslapping and high fives.
From "Schooled" by Gordon Korman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
