Backbiter

A backbiter is a person who speaks maliciously or critically of someone who is not present. They often engage in gossiping, spreading rumors, and making disparaging remarks behind the subject's back, with the intent to damage their reputation or cause ill will. This behavior typically stems from envy, resentment, or a desire to elevate themselves by diminishing others. Backbiters can operate within social circles, workplaces, or online communities, creating tension and undermining trust. Their actions are often subtle, making it difficult to confront them directly, and they frequently rely on plausible deniability.

Backbiter meaning with examples

• Sarah's constant critiques of her coworker, Maria, to other colleagues, detailing supposed flaws and mistakes while Maria wasn't present, clearly marked her as a backbiter. Her aim was to undermine Maria's chances of promotion, and cause unrest among other coworkers. This negatively impacted the company's environment and overall morale.
• The office quickly identified the backbiter after a series of anonymous, harsh emails attacking the project manager's decisions. Nobody could openly deny the backbiter since the mails had no sender, the words were hurtful and false, damaging the project manager's esteem and hindering the team’s progress towards the planned outcomes.
• During the family gathering, John consistently made sly comments about his cousin Emily's career choices to other relatives, knowing Emily wasn't there to defend herself. His intent was to gain favor through Emily's humiliation. This created tension and awkwardness for those who knew the truth about Emily's skills.
• In the online forum, a particular user, a backbiter, repeatedly posted negative, misleading information about a small business owner. The negative comments, filled with untrue allegations, eventually damaged the business owner's reputation and caused a drop in customer interest, all because the owner wasn't there to comment.