pat on the back
Informal gesture of approval
A pat on the back is a gesture of approval, encouragement, or congratulation—literal or figurative.
The physical act involves a light tap between the shoulder blades, signaling support or praise.
More often the phrase is metaphorical: She deserved a pat on the back for closing the deal.
To pat yourself on the back is to congratulate yourself, sometimes with a hint of self-satisfaction.
Words expressing approval
- commendationFormal expression of approval
- kudosPraise and honor
- applauseCollective hand-clapping approval
- congratulationsExpression of praise for achievement
acclaim · approval · recognition · tribute · accolade · bravo · honors · ovation
Perceiving something as known
- creditRecognition or payment deferral
- appreciationRecognition of worth
- validationConfirming truth or accuracy
- nodBrief head tilt
mention · notice · respect · thanks · gratitude · salute · homage · citation
Words meant to calm
- supportTo uphold or sustain
- motivationImpetus toward a goal
- boostUpward push or increase
- upliftRaise emotionally or physically
hearten · cheer · bolster · confidence · empowerment · morale · inspiration · affirmation
compliment
Words expressing approval
- commendationFormal expression of approval
- kudosPraise and honor
- applauseCollective hand-clapping approval
congratulations · acclaim · approval · recognition · tribute · accolade · bravo · honors · ovation · cheers
recognition
Perceiving something as known
- creditRecognition or payment deferral
- appreciationRecognition of worth
- validationConfirming truth or accuracy
nod · mention · notice · respect · thanks · gratitude · salute · homage · citation · testimonial
reassurance
Words meant to calm
- supportTo uphold or sustain
- motivationImpetus toward a goal
- boostUpward push or increase
uplift · hearten · cheer · bolster · confidence · empowerment · morale · inspiration · affirmation · nurture
- praiselauding, compliments, laudation, accolades, great job
- appreciationthanks, thank you, gratitude, thankfulness, gratefulness
- closenessclose by, close contact, close-knit, next door, up close
- workplace rewardsaward, bonus, employee of the month, performance bonus, merit increase
pat on the backreprimand
Formal expression of disapproval
rebuke · criticism · dressing-down · scolding · tongue-lashing
pat on the backslap in the face
Humiliating rebuke or rejection
kick in the teeth · cold shoulder · slap on the wrist · stab in the back · ingratitude
back, backward, backing, background, backup, backbone, backed, backdrop, backer