backhanded

(verb) hit a tennis ball backhand. Synonyms: backhand.

(adj) (of racket strokes) made across the body with back of hand facing direction of stroke. Synonyms: backhand(prenominal) (vs. forehand).

(adj) roundabout or ambiguous. Examples: "Attacks from that source amounted to a backhanded compliment to his integrity." "A backhanded and dishonest way of reaching his goal."