backassward

adjective

back·​ass·​ward ˈbak-ˈa-swərd How to pronounce backassward (audio)
variants or less commonly backasswards
US, informal
: utterly or ridiculously backward, foolish, or wrong : ass-backward
… encouraging backassward thinking …John C. Dvorak, PC Magazine, 9 June 1998
backassward adverb
or less commonly backasswards
We were doing everything backasswards that I thought we should be doing in the country. Joseph Kennedy, quoted in Washington Post, 6 June 1993

Word History

Etymology

alteration of ass-backward entry 1

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backassward was in 1971

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near backassward

Cite this Entry

“Backassward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backassward. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!