back slap
Friendly shoulder strike
A back slap is a hearty slap on someone's back, typically delivered as a gesture of congratulation, camaraderie, or encouragement.
The term often carries connotations of performative friendliness or hollow praise, especially in business or political contexts where excessive back-slapping signals insincere bonhomie.
The deal was sealed with handshakes and back slaps all around.
As a verb, to back-slap is to engage in this kind of demonstrative fellowship.
Praise and honor
- praiseExpression of approval
- commendationFormal expression of approval
- accoladeExpression of high esteem
- complimentWords expressing approval
applause · recognition · tribute · honor · salute · approval · celebration · esteem
Gentle palm stroke
- fist bumpKnuckle-to-knuckle greeting
- high fiveCongratulatory palm-to-palm gesture
- handshakeMutual palm-gripping gesture
- embraceHold closely in arms
hug · thumbs up · clap · shoulder squeeze · arm around · bonhomie · camaraderie · buddy
kudos
Praise and honor
- praiseExpression of approval
- commendationFormal expression of approval
- accoladeExpression of high esteem
compliment · applause · recognition · tribute · honor · salute · approval · celebration · esteem · respect
pat
Gentle palm stroke
- fist bumpKnuckle-to-knuckle greeting
- high fiveCongratulatory palm-to-palm gesture
- handshakeMutual palm-gripping gesture
embrace · hug · thumbs up · clap · shoulder squeeze · arm around · bonhomie · camaraderie · buddy · pal
- gesturesgesture, hand gestures, applause, hand raise, tap on shoulder
- swaggerswagger, strut, strutting, peacocking, cockiness
- body percussionclapping, stomping, snapping, hand clap, finger snap
back slapformal bow
Ceremonial forward bend
curtsy · cold shoulder · handshake · air kiss · fist bump
back slapstab in the back
Treachery against an ally
cold shoulder · slap in the face · backstab · betrayal · shove
back slapdeep gratitude
tough love · constructive criticism · holding accountable · silent treatment