backwater
an isolated or under-developed location
TRANSLATION
backwater = ein unkultiviertes Hinterland, in der Pampa
STATISTICS
IN THE PRESS
Stroll down the Bahnhofstrasse and the most immediate impression of Zug, a town of 26,000 people, is of a developing country boomtown rather than Swiss BACKWATER.
(Financial Times)
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"We simply can't remain here in this BACKWATER until the war is over, Mr. Allnut."
- Rose, the Katherine Hepburn character in The African Queen, talking to boat captain Charlie Allnut, played by Humphrey Bogart
Did you
know?
backwater
noun (fig.)
- an isolated or backward place or condition
- an unpopular or unimportant field (as of study or business)
(Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary)
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WORD ORIGIN
The original definition of backwater is a body of water, such as an inlet or tributary, that is out of the main current of a larger body. In this context, "back" means that part which is farthest from the front. In other words, it describes something that is out of the way, remote or far removed. A backroad, for instance, is a secondary road or street that goes through a rural area.
Figuratively speaking, backwater is a place that is physically isolated and underdeveloped. It implies a location that is not very modern and which is inhabited by a mainly rural, provincial population. Despite the negative connotation, coming from the backwater does not automatically limit one's chances in life.
Plenty of famous people were born in backwater towns or regions. This includes former U.S. President Bill Clinton, who grew up in the small town of Hope, Arkansas, a name that speaks for itself.
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SYNONYMS
backcountry, backwoods, boondocks, boonies, bush, hinterland, jerkwater, outback, outskirts, sticks
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SMUGGLE OWAD into a conversation:
"I enjoy visiting the BACKWATER town where my parents still live."
