WordGarden.iobackside
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈæksaɪd/
US
- /ˈbækˌsaɪd/
Meanings
Noun
a person's buttocks
the rear side or back part of something
Beyond the definition
The word "backside" has two everyday meanings. First, it refers to the back or rear part of a physical thing—the part you might not see, like the backside of a coin, a map, or a hill. Second, in casual speech, it can mean a person's bottom. So if someone says "watch your backside," they usually mean stay alert and cautious. It can also appear in expressions, such as "a kick in the backside," meaning a sharp wake-up slap in the face of reality or consequences.
The word "backside" usually refers to a physical rear side, back, or reverse face of an object or place—the part that is opposite the front. That includes things like the backside of a house, a canvas, a mountain, or an envelope.
In everyday, informal talk, it can also mean a person's buttocks. It is less technical than "posterior" and less direct than stronger slang. A phrase like "Sit on your backside and stay still!" is casual and best kept for informal situations or close relationships, since it can sound blunt in formal settings.
Figuratively, "backside" appears in expressions such as "kick in the backside," usually meaning a sharp lesson, reprimand, or push that is meant to make someone act faster or correct a mistake. The meaning is a strong nudge rather than a literal action.
So whether you are talking about a hidden side of a thing or using a colloquial term for the body, "backside" mostly points to what is at the rear.
Examples
- 1
Photo back
There’s a small sticker on the backside of the photo.
- 2
Building rear
A narrow path runs along the backside of the school.
- Patternthe backside of + place/object
the rear part of it
- 3
Falling
He slipped on the ice and landed on his backside.
- 4
Body part
The little boy had mud all over his backside after playing outside.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Informal command
If you want it done today, get off your backside and do it yourself.
- Phraseget off your backside
stop being lazy and start doing something
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- backsidenoun
Forms
- backsidespluralnoun