backstairs
Americanadjective
-
associated or originating with household servants.
Weak tea and burnt toast evidenced the start of a backstairs revolt.
-
secret, underhanded, or scandalous.
backstairs gossip.
plural noun
adjective
Etymology
Origin of backstairs
First recorded in 1635–45; adjective use of back stairs
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.
Instead, his columns were narratives of creation, abandonment and restoration that lovingly highlighted quirky design and backstairs gossip from decades past.
From New York Times ● Mar. 13, 2017
Standing silent in the sunlight, it served to place into a proper perspective a ramped-up spat on the Trent Bridge backstairs.
From The Guardian ● Jul. 29, 2014
Lenny Wilkens, Larry Brown, Isiah Thomas: All coached here before tumbling down the backstairs of the Garden.
From New York Times ● Mar. 15, 2014
Lord Butler of Brockwell said what he called "backstairs sniping" showed contempt for the civil service.
From BBC ● Nov. 30, 2013
Momma and I followed that lane to the backstairs of Dentist Lincoln’s office.
From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou
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