ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ adjective
1. : using or consisting of backhand or a backhand
backhanded writing
a backhanded slap in the face
a backhanded shot in tennis
2. : hesitant , diffident
not at all backhanded in asking for second helpings
3. : indirect, roundabout, or devious
a backhanded , dishonest way of achieving his end
— often used of an outcome opposed to the real or seeming intent of an act or statement
attacks from that source amounted to a backhanded compliment to the man's integrity
the backhanded censorship of providing information “channels” … actually aimed at hiding facts — Dale Kramer
— compare left-handed 3
4. of written letters of the alphabet : inclining from upper left to lower right