diff --git a/meta/lib/oe/utils.py b/meta/lib/oe/utils.py
index e14743f3f3..8d3efe440c 100644
--- a/meta/lib/oe/utils.py
+++ b/meta/lib/oe/utils.py
@@ -87,15 +87,18 @@ def inherits(d, *classes):
     """Return True if the metadata inherits any of the specified classes"""
     return any(bb.data.inherits_class(cls, d) for cls in classes)
 
-def distro_features_backfill(d):
+def features_backfill(var,d):
+    # This construct allows the addition of new features to variable specified
+    # as var
+    # Example for var = "DISTRO_FEATURES"
     # This construct allows the addition of new features to DISTRO_FEATURES
     # that if not present would disable existing functionality, without
     # disturbing distributions that have already set DISTRO_FEATURES.
     # Distributions wanting to elide a value in DISTRO_FEATURES_BACKFILL should
     # add the feature to DISTRO_FEATURES_BACKFILL_CONSIDERED
 
-    backfill = (d.getVar("DISTRO_FEATURES_BACKFILL", True) or "").split()
-    considered = (d.getVar("DISTRO_FEATURES_BACKFILL_CONSIDERED", True) or "").split()
+    backfill = (d.getVar(var+"_BACKFILL", True) or "").split()
+    considered = (d.getVar(var+"_BACKFILL_CONSIDERED", True) or "").split()
 
     addfeatures = []
     for feature in backfill: