backards
Backwards; the wrong way around.
Also called back'ards, backwards.
Updated September 21, 2026
backards pronunciation
/BAK-erdz/
Meaning
Same as backwards. Southern and rural speech often drops the w, so you get backards or back'ards. Works for direction ("put that shirt on backards") and for plans that feel reversed.
How folks use it
- “You've got that feed sack on backards.”
- “He told the story all backards and I still followed it.”
Origin and etymology
A phonetic spelling of backwards common in Southern and Appalachian talk, where the w softens or drops. Related spellings include back'ards and backwards said quick. Same meaning as the schoolbook word.
Frequently asked questions
Is backards only about direction?
Mostly, but people also use it when a story or job feels flipped around the wrong way.