different between backspace vs rubout

English

Etymology

back +? space

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?bæk?spe?s/

Noun

backspace (plural backspaces)

1. The key on a typewriter that moves the head one position backwards.
2. (computing) A keyboard key used for removing a character behind the cursor, and moving the cursor one position backwards.
3. (computing) The non-printable text character representing a backspace.

Derived terms

• backspaceable
• backspacer
• destructive backspace

Translations

Verb

backspace (third-person singular simple present backspaces, present participle backspacing, simple past and past participle backspaced)

1. (computing) To remove a character behind a cursor.
2. (computing) To move a magnetic tape to a previous block.

Translations

Portuguese

Etymology

From English backspace.

Noun

backspace m (plural backspaces)

1. backspace (computer key)

English

Etymology

rub +? out; see rub out

Pronunciation

Noun

rubout (plural rubouts)

1. (slang) An assassination.
2. (computing, uncountable, dated) backspace
   • 1990, Michael D. Harrison, Harold Thimbleby, Formal methods in human-computer interaction (page 130)

     A direct manipulation editor would support, for example, a single rubout key that uses the cursor to find the appropriate character for deletion […]

   • 2002, "Brotha G", ZX81 Prototype Keyboard (on newsgroup comp.sys.sinclair)

     The TS-1000 had ENTER instead of NEW LINE and DELETE instead of RUBOUT.