backpedaler

A person who makes a bold statement, then, upon reflection decides that they can't stand behind their reactive decision and does a flip-flop. The true backpedaler will carefully choose an alternate opinion designed to mask their original panic.

1. We have to re-evaluate our stance! This new development is going to kill us!

2. I *meant* that this new development may be strategically significant and we should evaluate the opportunities. :)

backpedaler by Alex Garden November 18, 2003

Get merch

Get the backpedaler mug.

See more merch

Backpedalling

A technique commonly used in arguments whereupon someone returns to a previous point they had made and pretends what they had said after that point never happened. Used in an attempt to null arguments that have been proven wrong, to prevent humiliation or to prevent the disputer from identifying that they have made a stupid argument. Politicians frequently use this in order to prevent interviewers from getting to the root of the problematic things they say. Really fucking annoying.

"You mean to say that ALL black people are stupid?"

"Um, er, um...as I was saying, formal education in the private sector requires improvement."
"Bruh stop backpedalling dude."

Backpedalling by Mickey_G_ April 2, 2021

Get merch

Scandinavian backpedalling

When your mate grabs your shlong and you move their arm up and down to masturbate.

His mum endulged me in some Scandinavian backpedalling last night after the dutch rudder.

Scandinavian backpedalling by BakesMum December 13, 2012

Get merch

Shitpost Backpedalling

When you, in the moment, think you just posted the funniest thing online, but have second thoughts and eventually delete it after reviewing it thoroughly, typically by trying to see it from the perspective of the audience.

Wait, did Phil delete his Story, where he argued that Harry Potter shouldn't have been British? I wanted to send that to someone.

I guess he's shitpost backpedalling. I thought it was funny too.

Shitpost Backpedalling by AndyMind February 25, 2024

Get merch

Toe Rag

A toe rag was originally a foot wrapping used, since mediaeval times up until the mid-nineteenth century, to protect the foot from chafing by boots or shoes. As these were, quite literally, rags they weren’t usually washed, and so with use they became very smelly until they were thrown away. Because of the similarity in smell, toe rag also became the name applied to dried, salted cod or other things with a strong, unpleasant, fishy smell. It didn’t take that long before the name was applied to someone who was an obnoxious, unpleasant OIC.

1 “Socks! Those aren’t socks you smelly git, they’re toe rags!”
2 “What have you been cooking? Smells like toe rag!”
3 “I can smell ‘er fanny from ‘ere, proper toe rag.”
4 That Heale Malcolm is a right toe rag.

Toe Rag by AKACroatalin November 29, 2016

Word of the Day on July 24, 2026

Get merch

Eternity leave

When some resigns or retires from a job, they are on "eternity leave". This can also refer to someone who has passed away, especially someone who worked somewhere for a long time, retired/resigned, then passed away later.

Oh I'm sorry, you didn't know that Kelly is on eternity leave? She resigned and moved to Hawaii!

With regrets I would like to inform you that my boss is officially on eternity leave. I will never see or hear them again. Ever.

Eternity leave by LingDanc803 February 7, 2023

Word of the Day on July 23, 2026

Get merch

jody

The hypothetical man (often a sinister character who decided not to go to boot camp) that is doing your girlfriend/wife while you are on deployment overseas.

Ain't no use in goin home,
Jody's got your girl and gone.
Ain't no use in goin back,
Jody's got your Cadillac,
Ain't no use in feeling blue,
Jody's took your checkbook too.

jody by Sgt Apan March 31, 2006

Word of the Day on July 22, 2026

Get merch