backscratch

ˈbækˌskrætʃ

Definition

Definition of backscratch - Reverso English Dictionary

Noun

reciprocity

Rare

mutual exchange of favors

Rare

Their relationship was based on backscratch and mutual benefits.

quid pro quo

reciprocity

physical

Rare

scratch on the skin of the back

Rare

He had a backscratch from climbing the tree.

Verb

physical action

tr./intr.

Rare

scratch one's or another's back for relief

tr./intr.

Rare

She asked him to backscratch her after a long day.

rub

scrape

scratch

reciprocal help

tr.

Rare

help someone in return for help

tr.

Rare

They agreed to backscratch to get their projects approved.

reciprocate

Add a suggestion |

Feedback:

Origin of backscratch

English, back (reverse) + scratch (to scrape)

Examples of backscratch in a sentence

In politics, backscratch is a common practice.
She felt a backscratch after the long hike.
The doctor examined the backscratch carefully.
He loves to backscratch his dog every evening.
Can you backscratch me while I read?
Politicians often backscratch to gain support for their bills.

The two companies decided to backscratch to boost their profits.

View all translations of backscratch

✨Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.

French:renvoi d'ascenseur, gratter, ...
German:Gefälligkeitstausch, rückenkraulen, ...
Italian:scambio di favori, grattare la schiena, ...
Spanish:compadreo, rascar, ...
Portuguese:troca de favores, coçar as costas, ...
Chinese:互惠互利, 挠, ...
Japanese:お互いの助け合い, 背中を掻く, ...
Arabic:تَبادُل المَصالِح, حَكَّ, ...
Hebrew:חִלּוּפֵי טוֹבוֹת, לְהַקְלוֹת, ...
Russian:обмен услугами, чесать, ...
Ukrainian:обмін послугами, чухати, ...
Hindi:एहसान का आदान-प्रदान, खुजलाना, ...
Bengali:পিঠ চুলকানো, পিঠে হাত বুলানো, ...
Catalan:rascar l'esquena, rascar, ...
Czech:protislužba, drbat někoho na zádech, ...
Danish:rygkløe, klø, ...
Dutch:wederzijdse hulp, krabben, ...
Greek:ξύσιμο της πλάτης, ξύνω, ...
Hungarian:szívességcsere, hátat vakarni, ...
Khmer:ការផ្តល់ផលប្រយោជន៍ទៅវិញទៅមក, កោសខ្នង, ...
Korean:상부상조, 등을 긁다, ...
Persian:معامله به مثل, پشتش را خاراند, ...
Polish:wzajemna pomoc, drapać, ...
Portuguese (BR):troca de favores, coçar as costas, ...
Romanian:reciprocitate, a scărpina pe spate, ...
Swedish:ömsesidig hjälp, klia, ...
Thai:การเกาหลังให้กัน, เกาหลัง, ...
Turkish:karşılıklı çıkar ilişkisi, sırt kaşımak, ...
Vietnamese:sự giúp đỡ lẫn nhau, gãi lưng, ...

Browse the dictionary entries starting with “b”:

Discover how Reverso redefines the dictionary

Go beyond “simple words”

100,000 expressions & idioms Understand any expression you come across: from corporate jargon like 💬 touch base or ↩️ circle back to everyday expressions such as 🌊 out of the blue or 🦆 lame duck, as well as idioms like 🍲 spill the beans and 🐎 hold your horses.

40,000 images When you search for a concrete noun or object, images help you grasp the meaning at a glance. Try searching for 🧵 puppytooth, 🎠 merry-go-round, ⚜️ fleur-de-lys, or 💤 bunk bed.

Informal language & slang Everyday conversations are packed with informal expressions and slang. Meanings are clearly tagged, so you'll always know when a word is casual. Look up hangry (😋 hungry + 😡 angry), 😎 rizz, 🕹️ noob, or 🔑 low-key.

Abbreviations & acronyms Quickly decode modern abbreviations and acronyms. Go from IDK to OMG in seconds and stay up to date with popular abbreviations such as 🐐 GOAT, 📜 tl;dr, 👀 POV, or 🖥️ AFK.

Regional usage (US / UK) Reverso highlights regional differences between American and British English. You’ll never have to wonder where a word is commonly used: try lift vs. elevator, courgette vs. zucchini, or popular British slang like dodgy or banter. What’s more, when you search for 'color', you’ll immediately see its British counterpart, 'colour'.

Get more than a simple definition

Translations for each meaning View translations alongside each meaning to see how a word is translated in each context. Simply toggle translations ON and choose among 25+ languages. You can also display the translation of definitions or examples into your native language to deepen your understanding.

Synonyms & related words by meaning View synonyms and related words for each meaning, not just for the word as a whole. This helps you choose the most accurate word for your context. Click the

icon to discover related terms: analogies, antonyms, common collocates, words with same roots, umbrella terms… Try with happening or hunch.

Multiple examples for every meaning Each meaning comes with three real-life examples to show you how the word is used in different contexts. Click the

icon next to the first example to see two additional options and learn to use new vocabulary naturally.

Go from understanding to mastery

Save words for later review Click the

icon to save words you want to revisit. You can also save a specific meaning by clicking on the

icon next to it. For example, you might want to save the word “table” as a verb, which means “to postpone”.

Practice with personalized flashcards Reverso automatically transforms your searches and saved words into personalized flashcards and quizzes, featuring high-quality audio and usage examples. This helps you transform terms you only recognize into words you actually use confidently.

Learn with Netflix, YouTube, and your favorite texts With Reverso Chrome extension, transform movies, TV shows, articles, or song lyrics into an interactive lesson. Look up words and expressions in one click on any website and learn with your favorite content.

Definition of backscratch - Reverso English Dictionary

Noun

Verb

Origin of backscratch

Terms related to backscratch

Examples of backscratch in a sentence

View all translations of backscratch

Discover how Reverso redefines the dictionary

Go beyond “simple words”

Get more than a simple definition

Go from understanding to mastery