i Register
In some senses, backscratch is marked as slang. Watch for register when choosing this word.
backscratch
verb 2noun 1
Collocations
1ADJ.
other, social
Definitions
noun
1
A scratch on the back.
Several Colorado papers have reproduced the substance of our articles on silver, and we thank them for their backscratches.
Backscratches keep improving but the itch increases.
verb
1
To scratch one's or another's back.
That thought appeared to discompose her greatly, though Jasper made light of it by rapidly back-scratching with his hind legs and giving a short stern bark, just to assure her that strangers would be rushed off the property on sight.
He enjoyed being hugged, backscratched, and tickled and sat quietly next to the examiner after testing while a parental interview was conducted.
2
To engage in a reciprocal beneficial action.
It was backscratched into existence, cost nearly a billion pounds, and now they are wondering why they let it happen.
The fount of social problems, he argues, is that human morality grew out of the natural principles of tit-for-tat and mutual backscratching.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & Phrases
Example Bank
601
Several Colorado papers have reproduced the substance of our articles on silver, and we thank them for their backscratches.
Wiktionary02
Backscratches keep improving but the itch increases.
Wiktionary03
I had to admit he had nice fingernails and a backscratch would have felt just fine.
Wiktionary04
That thought appeared to discompose her greatly, though Jasper made light of it by rapidly back-scratching with his hind legs and giving a short stern bark, just to assure her that strangers would be
Wiktionary05
He enjoyed being hugged, backscratched, and tickled and sat quietly next to the examiner after testing while a parental interview was conducted.
Wiktionary06
So it is to the mutual advantage of social primates to backscratch for each other.
WiktionaryUsage Notes
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