RUB OUT Meaning and
Definition
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The term "rub out" is a phrasal verb that is commonly used in informal contexts, particularly in colloquial or criminal jargon. It can have multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used.
One definition of "rub out" refers to the act of erasing or removing markings, stains, or writing from a surface using pressure applied with one's hands or an eraser. For example, you might need to rub out a pencil mark from a sheet of paper.
However, in a more sinister sense, "rub out" can also mean to intentionally kill or murder someone. This usage derives from the concept of erasing or eliminating a person's existence, likening the action to physically removing a mark. It is often associated with criminal activities or organized crime. For instance, in gangster movies, the phrase "rub out" is frequently used to describe contract killings or acts of violence carried out with the intention of eliminating someone.
While the term "rub out" primarily refers to erasing or removing something, it is crucial to consider the context of its usage in order to understand its specific meaning.
Common Misspellings for RUB OUT
- eub out
- dub out
- fub out
- tub out
- 5ub out
- 4ub out
- ryb out
- rhb out
- rjb out
- r8b out
- r7b out
- ruv out
- run out
- ruh out
- rub iut
- rub kut
- rub lut
- rub put
- rub 0ut
- rubout
Etymology of RUB OUT
The etymology of the word "rub out" can be traced back to the early 19th century. It originally emerged as a slang phrase in the criminal underworld of England. The term "rub out" was used as a euphemism for "erase", particularly in the context of eliminating someone through violence or murder.
The phrase likely derives from the action of rubbing pencil or chalk marks off a slate or blackboard, symbolizing the act of erasing or wiping out. Over time, the term "rub out" became associated specifically with eliminating someone by violent means, such as assassination or contract killing. It became part of the criminal slang vocabulary and gradually entered more general usage in the English language.
Idioms with the word RUB OUT
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rub out
"Rub out" is an idiom that means to erase, delete, or remove something completely, often with the connotation of destroying or getting rid of it entirely.
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