2 syllables: back, lash. Stress on back.
BAK-lash
/ˈbæˌklæʃ/
backlash is pronounced BAK-lash (/ˈbæˌklæʃ/). It has two syllables (back-lash), with the stress on "back". Backlash describes a strong negative reaction to an action, policy, or event, often accompanied by public criticism or condemnation. It implies not just disagreement but a forceful, sometimes punitive response from a group or society. The term blends conceptually from automatic resistance to a force, and metaphorically signals a counter-reaction to prior moves or statements.
Backlash describes a strong negative reaction to an action, policy, or event, often accompanied by public criticism or condemnation. It implies not just disagreement but a forceful, sometimes punitive response from a group or society. The term blends conceptually from automatic resistance to a force, and metaphorically signals a counter-reaction to prior moves or statements.
- 2-3 phonetic challenges: incorrect vowel quality in both syllables (first /æ/ vs. /æ/ realistic vs. overly broad), and mispronounced /ʃ/ at the end due to hurried speech. - Corrections: practice minimal pairs to lock the two /æ/ sounds, ensure the final /ʃ/ is a clear, soft blow with the tongue blade near the alveolar ridge. - Optional: record yourself saying /ˈbæk.læʃ/ slowly, then at natural speed, then with a slight pause between syllables.
"The new policy triggered a global backlash from activists and critics alike."
"After the scandal, the company faced a consumer backlash that hurt its reputation."
"Scholars warned that the revised curriculum could provoke a political backlash."
Backlash is pronounced as /ˈbæk.læʃ/ in US and Australian English, with primary stress on the first syllable. In UK English it remains /ˈbæklæʃ/. For both, start with a short 'a' as in 'back,' then a light 'l' leading into 'ash' /læʃ/. Tip: keep the two syllables distinct, and avoid vowel lengthening in the second syllable.
Common errors include reducing the first syllable to a schwa or a longer vowel (e.g., /bəˈklæʃ/), and merging the two syllables too quickly so the 'l' and 'a' blur (→ /ˈbækˈlæʃ/ with poor linking). Another pitfall is elongating the final /æ/ or making it /æɪ/. Correct it by holding the /æ/ short and ensuring a clear /l/ onset for the second syllable: /ˈbæk.læʃ/.
US and AU typically use /ˈbæk.læʃ/ with rhoticity not affecting this word; UK also uses /ˈbæklæʃ/ but may feature a slightly shorter or crisper /æ/ in the first syllable. Australian tends toward a more centralized or broader vowel in some speakers, but the overall rhythm remains two even syllables with primary stress on the first. Variation centers on vowel height and duration rather than consonant changes in this word.
The challenge is achieving a clean, two-syllable rhythm with a crisp onset of the second syllable: the /l/ in the middle and the /æ/ in both syllables require precise tongue placement. Many speakers slide the /l/ into the /æ/ or flatten the final /ʃ/ into an /ʒ/ sound. Focus on a brief, clear /l/ and a sharp release into /æ/ for the second syllable to maintain clarity: /ˈbæk.læʃ/.
A key feature is the strong initial stress and the clean division between syllables: /ˈbæk/ + /læʃ/. The word relies on a precise alveolar /l/ and a post-alveolar fricative /ʃ/ at the end. Don’t blend /k/ into /l/ or /l/ into /æ/. Practicing with a natural pause between the two syllables helps keep the sounds distinct and reduces slurring: /ˈbæk.læʃ/.
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- US: clear /ˈbæk.læʃ/ with rhoticity not affecting. - UK: crisp /ˈbæklæʃ/ with shorter duration in the first vowel. - AU: similar to US but vowels can be broader; practice with slight vowel width and less rounded lips. - Vowel focus: ensure first /æ/ is as in 'cat', second /æ/ is equally short. - Consonants: keep /k/ hard, /l/ light and not swallowing into /æ/. - IPA references: /ˈbæk.læʃ/ for all three, minor vowel shifts.
Backlash originated in nautical and mechanical terminology in the 17th century, referring to a sudden backward movement or rebound against a resisting force. The word combines back- (toward the rear) with lash (to strike or whip). In early Common Law and maritime usage, backlash described a snapping or reversing motion when a mechanism resisted forward momentum. By the 19th century, the metaphorical sense emerged in political and social contexts to describe a counter-reaction against reforms or innovations. In modern usage, backlash connotes a forceful, often organized objection that can temper or derail actions, policies, or social trends. First known printed uses trace to discussions of opposing moves in governance and industry, where factions would react vigorously to changes, sometimes resulting in policy reversals or public outcry. The term has since broadened to cover online, cultural, and political contexts, retaining its core image of a strong, reactive counterforce.
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Help others use "backlash" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "backlash" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "backlash" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "backlash"
-ash sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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