How to pronounce backstabber
Say it like BAK-stab-er. Backstabber has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce backstabber. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BAK
- stab
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Backstabber pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BAKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- stabGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of backstabber
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: BAK-stab-uh.
What does backstabber mean?
- A traitor or hypocrite, such as a co-worker or friend assumed trustworthy but who figuratively attacks when one's back is turned.
Where does backstabber come from?
From back + stabber.
Questions about saying backstabber
How do you pronounce backstabber?
Say BAK-stab-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈbækˌstæbɚ/. In British English it is /ˈbækˌstæbə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in backstabber?
Backstabber has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK). Broken into parts: BAK · stab · er.
Is backstabber pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈbækˌstæbə/ (BAK-stab-uh).