Backfist

noun BACK-fist ˈbakfɪst mild

Also spelled back fist, back-fist

A backhand blow struck with the back of the fist or hand — a sharp swat delivered on the backswing. 'Him gi mi a backfist' means he hit me with the back of his hand, a quick, stinging strike often dealt sideways or in rebuke. It sits with 'cuff', 'bax', and 'box' in the everyday vocabulary of blows, naming specifically the blow that lands with the knuckles or back of the hand rather than the palm or the front of the fist.

  • Him lick mi wid a backfist.

    He hit me with a backhand blow.

  • One backfist knock di cup outta mi hand.

    One backhand blow knocked the cup out of my hand.

  • Nuh mek mi gi yuh a backfist.

    Don't make me give you a backhand slap.

A compound — 'back' plus 'fist' — for a blow struck with the back of the fist/hand.

A backhand blow. Compare 'bax'/'box' (to slap).