Backbiting Meaning in English
word
ˈbækˌbaɪtɪŋ
BAK-bye-ting
bˈækbɪtɪŋ
BAK-bit-ing
Definition
Saying negative or unkind things about someone when they are not present, especially to damage their reputation.
Usage & Nuances
"Backbiting" is formal and often used to describe hurtful gossip in workplaces, families, or communities. Common collocation: 'engage in backbiting'. It's always negative—don't use for friendly teasing. Distinct from 'gossip': backbiting specifically means speaking badly behind someone's back.
Spanish: calumniar - hablar mal a espaldasPortuguese (BR): falar mal pelas costas - maledicênciaPortuguese (PT): falar mal nas costas - maledicênciaChinese (Simplified): 背后中伤 - 背后说坏话Chinese (Traditional): 背後中傷 - 在背後說壞話Hindi: पीठ पीछे बुराई करनाArabic: النميمة - الكلام من وراء الظهرBengali: পরনিন্দা - পরচর্চাRussian: злословие - сплетни (негативные)Japanese: 陰口 - 悪口Vietnamese: nói xấu sau lưng - nói xấuKorean: 험담 - 뒷담화Turkish: dedikodu - arkasından konuşmaUrdu: غیبت - پیٹھ پیچھے برائی کرناIndonesian: mengumpat - membicarakan di belakang
Example Sentences
They were caught backbiting about their colleague.
basic
Backbiting can hurt friendships.
basic
Please stop the backbiting in the office.
basic
All that backbiting only makes the team weaker.
natural
She denied all accusations of backbiting.
natural
He’s tired of all the office backbiting and drama.
natural