Definition of a backbone

backbone

noun

• metaphor: having a "backbone" endows one with courage, will.

  Why do you let your manager take advantage of you? Grow a backbone.

  • See more words with the same meaning: brave.

  Last edited on Jun 17 2010. Submitted by Walter Rader (Editor) from Sacramento, CA, USA on Jun 17 2010.

+	Add a definition for this slang term

Share Tweet E-mail	More info:	Interactive stats:
	R  Related words	Usage Vulgarity SlangMap

Related words

Slang terms with the same meaning

Other terms relating to 'brave':
balls of steel	Definitions include: metaphorical testicles that people with courage or gall have.
cowboy up	Definitions include: to face a daunting task, as a brave cowboy would.
brass clankers	Definitions include: Literally, brass testicles.
edgy	Definitions include: socially dangerous or daring; intellectually provocative; tending to induce unease or stress in viewers.
grit	Definitions include: cigarette.
balls out	Definitions include: See also balls to the wall.
balls	Definitions include: exclamation of disappointment.
gutsy	Definitions include: full of courage.
ballsy	Definitions include: brave.
cojones	Definitions include: testicles.

Slang terms with the same root words

None. How about some random words?

steps	Definitions include: Shoes, particularly basketball high-tops or high-priced running shoes. Nikes.
keep it on the basic	Definitions include: to tell the truth about something; "keep it on the real".
I wouldn't have that up my *ss if I had room for a saw mill.	Definitions include: a term used when observing something (an object, usually) that is completely objectionable or worthless.
snarcasm	Definitions include: contraction of "snark" and "sarcasm".
duckets	Definitions include: misspelling of ducats.
treats	Definitions include: marijuana.
p-noid	Definitions include: paranoid.
one love	Definitions include: goodbye.
lewd	Definitions include: a sexual or pornographic image.
sth	Definitions include: "something".

How common is this slang?

Don't click the following.
I use it	(19)
No longer use it	(2)
Heard it but never used it	(3)
Have never heard it	(3)

How vulgar is this slang?

Average of 19 votes: 23%  (See the most vulgar words.)

Least vulgar

Most vulgar

Your vote: None   (To vote, click the pepper. Vote how vulgar the word is – not how mean it is.)

Least vulgar

Most vulgar

Where is this slang used?

Logged-in users can add themselves to the map. Login, Register, Login instantly with Facebook.

Link to this slang definition

To link to this term in a web page or blog, insert the following.

<a href="http://onlineslangdictionary.com/meaning-definition-of/a-backbone">a backbone</a>

To link to this term in a wiki such as Wikipedia, insert the following.

[http://onlineslangdictionary.com/meaning-definition-of/a-backbone a backbone]

Some wikis use a different format for links, so be sure to check the documentation.