backstairs
pronunciation
How to pronounce backstairs in British English:
UK [ˈbæksteəz]
How to pronounce backstairs in American English:
US [ˈbæksterz]
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- Noun:
- a second staircase at the rear of a building
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- Adjective:
- secret and sly or sordid
Word Origin
- backstairs
- "stairs at the back of a structure," 1650s, from back (adj.) + stairs (see stair). Figurative use is attested earlier (1640s).
Example
- 1. Some of us backstairs crowd thought he was callous about missy .
- 2. He met the congressmen in secret to exert backstairs influence .