Backbiting
noun
Talking badly about someone when they are not present.
She was tired of the constant backbiting at her workplace.
Often appears as...
- engage in backbiting
- stop backbiting
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
Talking badly about someone when they are not present.
She was tired of the constant backbiting at her workplace.
Often appears as...
- engage in backbiting
- stop backbiting
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Backbiting always implies negativity and should not be used to describe neutral or positive comments.
The meeting started with unnecessary backbiting about absent colleagues.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Settings
Often used in informal conversations, but it can appear in formal contexts as a criticism of behavior.
During the lunch break, there was some backbiting about the new policy.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Impact
Using 'backbiting' can convey the emotional harm caused by speaking ill of someone not present.
His backbiting hurt my reputation and feelings.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Backbiting always implies negativity and should not be used to describe neutral or positive comments.
The meeting started with unnecessary backbiting about absent colleagues.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Settings
Often used in informal conversations, but it can appear in formal contexts as a criticism of behavior.
During the lunch break, there was some backbiting about the new policy.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Impact
Using 'backbiting' can convey the emotional harm caused by speaking ill of someone not present.
His backbiting hurt my reputation and feelings.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Backbiting always implies negativity and should not be used to describe neutral or positive comments.
The meeting started with unnecessary backbiting about absent colleagues.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Settings
Often used in informal conversations, but it can appear in formal contexts as a criticism of behavior.
During the lunch break, there was some backbiting about the new policy.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Impact
Using 'backbiting' can convey the emotional harm caused by speaking ill of someone not present.
His backbiting hurt my reputation and feelings.
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Quote examples
Ann Widdecombe
British Politician
I shall not miss the hectoring and backbiting and the lack of generosity towards fallen foes, but I will miss the sheer clubability of parliament. If one fancies a coffee or a meal or a drink then it is always possible to find at least one person out of 646 whose company is congenial.
Quote examples
Jenna Morasca
American Model
When I played 'Survivor', I sat back many times and marveled that no one had gotten into a real physical altercation. With all the backbiting, lies, and lack of food, a fight didn't sound far off base, considering the strained and fragile emotions.
Quote examples
Himesh Reshammiya
Indian Actor
I am neither hurt nor disturbed by the occasional backbiting and criticism from my colleagues. By and large, the music industry has been very supportive.
Quote examples
Ambrose Bierce
American Journalist
Backbite. To speak of a man as you find him when he can't find you.
Quote examples
Ann Widdecombe
British Politician
I shall not miss the hectoring and backbiting and the lack of generosity towards fallen foes, but I will miss the sheer clubability of parliament. If one fancies a coffee or a meal or a drink then it is always possible to find at least one person out of 646 whose company is congenial.
Quote examples
Jenna Morasca
American Model
When I played 'Survivor', I sat back many times and marveled that no one had gotten into a real physical altercation. With all the backbiting, lies, and lack of food, a fight didn't sound far off base, considering the strained and fragile emotions.
Quote examples
Himesh Reshammiya
Indian Actor
I am neither hurt nor disturbed by the occasional backbiting and criticism from my colleagues. By and large, the music industry has been very supportive.
Quote examples
Ambrose Bierce
American Journalist
Backbite. To speak of a man as you find him when he can't find you.
Example 1 of 4
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