back pat
Approval tap behind
A back pat is a gesture of approval, encouragement, or congratulation—literal or figurative.
The physical act involves patting someone on the back in a friendly way.
More often the term describes praise or self-congratulation: The speech was just a back pat for the team.
To give yourself a back pat is to take credit for an accomplishment, sometimes excessively.
Expression of praise for achievement
- kudosPraise and honor
- commendationFormal expression of approval
- accoladeExpression of high esteem
- recognitionPerceiving something as known
acknowledgment · approval · tribute · applause · bravo · well-done · props · acclaim
Impetus toward a goal
- boostUpward push or increase
- moraleGroup emotional well-being
- confidenceSelf-assurance or trust
- upliftRaise emotionally or physically
inspiration · cheer · reassurance · empowerment · affirmation · stimulus · pep talk · rallying
Comfort during distress
- solaceRelief from distress
- soothingReducing distress or discomfort
- empathySharing another's emotions
- sympathyCompassionate understanding of others
tenderness · compassion · understanding · care · warmth · kindness · nurture · gentleness
Forming close connections
- fellowshipMutual goodwill among companions
- companionshipState of having company
- rapportHarmonious mutual connection
- kinshipState of being related
bromance · solidarity · teammate · comrade · ally · chumminess · esprit de corps · team spirit
congratulations
Expression of praise for achievement
- kudosPraise and honor
- commendationFormal expression of approval
- accoladeExpression of high esteem
recognition · acknowledgment · approval · tribute · applause · bravo · well-done · props · acclaim · compliment
motivation
Impetus toward a goal
- boostUpward push or increase
- moraleGroup emotional well-being
- confidenceSelf-assurance or trust
uplift · inspiration · cheer · reassurance · empowerment · affirmation · stimulus · pep talk · rallying · support
consolation
Comfort during distress
sympathy · tenderness · compassion · understanding · care · warmth · kindness · nurture · gentleness · reassurance
bonding
Forming close connections
- fellowshipMutual goodwill among companions
- companionshipState of having company
- rapportHarmonious mutual connection
kinship · bromance · solidarity · teammate · comrade · ally · chumminess · esprit de corps · team spirit · locker room
- body languagegestures, facial expressions, hand gestures, posture, nodding
- gesturesgesture, hand gestures, applause, hand raise, tap on shoulder
- touchestouch, tap, rub, stroke, caress
- contacttouch, grasp, hold, grab, embrace
- togethernesstogether, united, unity, togetherness, bonding
back patcriticism
Judgment of faults
rebuke · reprimand · censure · condemnation · reproach
back patslap in the face
Humiliating rebuke or rejection
kick in the teeth · stab in the back · put-down · cold shoulder · snub