ass-backward I. \ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷\adjective Etymology:ass (IV) + backward : ludicrously disordered : showing an arrangement grotesquely counter to the usual or workable < incompetents doing their work in an ass-backward way > II. adverb orass-backwards\ˈ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷\ : in an ass-backward way < an inexperienced assistant filing everything ass-backward >