Backbiting \Back"bit`ing\, n. Secret slander; detraction. Backbiting, and bearing of false witness. --Piers Plowman.

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Backbiting or tale-bearing is to slander someone in their absence — to bite them behind their back. Originally, backbiting referred to an unsporting attack from the rear in the blood sport of bearbaiting.

In Baha'i, Christian and Islamic doctrine, backbiting is considered a sin. The Baha'i leaders condemned it as the worst of sins as it destroyed the 'life of the soul' and provoked divine wrath.

Backbiting may occur as a form of release after a confrontation. By insulting the opposing person, the backbiter diminishes them and, by doing so, restores their own self-esteem. A bond may also be established with the confidante if they are receptive to the hostile comment. Such gossip is common in human society as people seek to divert blame and establish their place in the dominance hierarchy.

• Jets are backbiting already?
  Cue the circus music and get out the clown suits. The zany New York Jets are at it again. This time, the annual backbiting is occurring earlier than usual. One anonymous Jets player told Mike Freeman of CBSSports.com that “80 to 90 percent” of the locker room does not want quarterback Mark Sanchez under center. That's a strong statement, especially conside Read more on this news related to 'Backbiting'
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  Pupils at the all-girl Wimbledon High School are learning how to push themselves forward in the same way that boys do, so they won't miss out on top positions. Read more on this news related to 'Backbiting'
• Toward A Better Benghazi Inquiry
  The state of play on the ongoing Benghazi inquiry, in terms of the partisan backbiting, seems to be rather simple. GOP interlocutors on the House Oversight Committee seem to believe that they are on to something important enough to merit continued attention. Read more on this news related to 'Backbiting'