Pronunciation: [bˈakpɛdə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "backpedal" is spelled with the use of the consonant cluster "ck" which represents the /k/ sound followed by the vowel pairing "ea" that in turn represents the /ɛ/ sound. The first syllable "back" is pronounced as /bæk/ while the second syllable "pedal" is pronounced as /ˈpɛdəl/. Therefore, the phonetic transcription of the word is /ˌbækˈpɛdəl/. To backpedal means to retract or reverse one's previous stance or decision.
The verb "backpedal" refers to the act of reversing or retracting a previously stated opinion, position, or commitment. It is often used metaphorically to describe a situation where someone tries to distance themselves from a controversial or unpopular statement or action they have made.
When someone backpedals, they typically retract or modify their initial stance in order to avoid criticism, damage control, or to reconcile contradictions they might have encountered. This can happen due to external pressure, such as public backlash, or personal reconsideration. It is characterized by a noticeable change in position or attitude.
The term originates from the action of pedaling a bicycle in reverse, which requires the rider to exert effort in the opposite direction from their intended movement. The analogy suggests that backpedaling involves a deliberate attempt to move backward or retreat from a previous standpoint.
Backpedaling can take various forms, such as issuing a public apology, denying previous statements, offering alternative explanations, or downplaying the significance of one's earlier position. It is commonly observed in politics, public relations, or interpersonal relationships, where individuals may attempt to avoid negative consequences or salvage their reputation.
In summary, "backpedal" describes the act of reversing or modifying an initial opinion, often due to external pressure or personal reconsideration. It conveys the idea of retracting or retreating from a previously held position.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "backpedal" can be traced back to the combination of two words: "back" and "pedal".
The word "back" originates from the Old English word "bæc" and has Germanic roots. It has remained relatively unchanged in terms of spelling and meaning throughout history. "Back" refers to the rear side or direction, the opposite of the front or forward.
On the other hand, the word "pedal" comes from the Latin word "pedalis", which means "foot". In Latin, the term "pedalis" was derived from "pes", meaning "foot". Eventually, this Latin root was borrowed into English, and "pedal" came to refer to a lever or foot-operated mechanism.
Therefore, the word "backpedal" essentially means to reverse one's direction or movement, particularly by using the feet.
