pat-on-the-back
Encouraging physical acknowledgment
A pat-on-the-back is a gesture of praise, encouragement, or congratulation—literal or figurative.
The physical act of patting someone's back conveys approval without words.
More often the phrase is metaphorical: She deserved a pat on the back for closing the deal.
To give yourself a pat on the back is to feel self-satisfied, sometimes smugly so.
Support spurring continued effort
- complimentWords expressing approval
- acknowledgmentConfirmation of receipt
- recognitionPerceiving something as known
- validationConfirming truth or accuracy
affirmation · kudos · attaboy · well-done · approval · commendation · appreciation · reassurance
Reward beyond expectation
- incentiveReward encouraging action
- perkEmployment bonus
- recognitionPerceiving something as known
- trophyAward for winning
certificate · promotion · raise · merit · achievement · honor · award · prize
Upper arm joint
- touchPerceiving through physical contact
- tapValve controlling liquid flow
- gestureCommunicative body movement
- congratulatoryExpressing praise for success
handshake · hug · embrace · squeeze · clap · slap · gentle · friendly
Excessively self-satisfied
- boastfulGiven to self-praise
- self-praiseLauding one's own merits
- preeningGrooming with vanity
- gloatingSmug triumph display
vanity · ego · hubris · self-satisfied · complacent · bragging · conceited · immodest
encouragement
Support spurring continued effort
- complimentWords expressing approval
- acknowledgmentConfirmation of receipt
- recognitionPerceiving something as known
validation · affirmation · kudos · attaboy · well-done · approval · commendation · appreciation · reassurance · boost
bonus
Reward beyond expectation
- incentiveReward encouraging action
- perkEmployment bonus
- recognitionPerceiving something as known
trophy · certificate · promotion · raise · merit · achievement · honor · award · prize · distinction
shoulder
Upper arm joint
- touchPerceiving through physical contact
- tapValve controlling liquid flow
- gestureCommunicative body movement
congratulatory · handshake · hug · embrace · squeeze · clap · slap · gentle · friendly · warm
smug
Excessively self-satisfied
- boastfulGiven to self-praise
- self-praiseLauding one's own merits
- preeningGrooming with vanity
gloating · vanity · ego · hubris · self-satisfied · complacent · bragging · conceited · immodest · self-serving
pat-on-the-backreprimand
Formal expression of disapproval
criticism · rebuke · scolding · dressing-down · tongue-lashing
pat-on-the-backslap in the face
Humiliating rebuke or rejection
punch · shove · kick in the pants · slap · stab in the back
pat-on-the-backslap in the face
Humiliating rebuke or rejection
kick in the teeth · put-down · insult · humiliation · takedown
back, patted, patting, patter, backs, backed, backing, backer