Definition of in the background
in the background
adverb
- of an ongoing task, performed slowly over time, when nothing is claiming one's immediate attention.
I'm working on the graph-printing problem in the background.
- See more words with the same meaning: computer slang.
Last edited on Nov 12 2011. Submitted by WalterGR (via TheJargonFile) on Aug 14 2009.
- of ongoing thought work, being solved slowly over time by a person's unconscious.
Yeah, boss, I'm working on that in the background.
Last edited on Nov 15 2011. Submitted by WalterGR (via TheJargonFile) on Aug 14 2009.
- Note that this implies ongoing activity but at a reduced level or in spare time, in contrast to mainstream "back burner" (which connotes benign neglect until some future resumption of activity).
Last edited on Aug 14 2009. Submitted by WalterGR (via TheJargonFile) on Aug 14 2009.
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Related words
Slang terms with the same meaning
Other terms relating to 'computer slang': | |
| Definitions include: acronym for "Oh my Lady Gaga". | |
| Definitions include: used to indicate laughter in text-based communication. | |
| Definitions include: misspelling of Google. | |
| Definitions include: acronym for "on my way". | |
| Definitions include: "to be honest". | |
| Definitions include: software that was purchased or written, but never used. | |
| Definitions include: To accidentally press an adjacent button, e.g. while typing on a keyboard or entering a phone number. | |
| Definitions include: acronym for "no good". | |
| Definitions include: acronym for "fuck my life." | |
| Definitions include: the totality of all blogs. | |
| Definitions include: in a discussion forum, an acrimonious dispute. | |
| Definitions include: acronym for "I fucking love you" or "I freaking love you". | |
| Definitions include: acronym for "because". | |
| Definitions include: From "bandwidth" as a measure of the rate of data transfer ("throughput") that a digital medium can handle. | |
| Definitions include: a declaration of victory or superiority. | |
Slang terms with the same root words
Other terms relating to 'in': | |
| Definitions include: something you have now is worth more than two things you have just a chance of getting. | |
| Definitions include: a secret advantage. | |
| Definitions include: involving everyone or everything. | |
| Definitions include: doing something emphatically. | |
| Definitions include: no chance. | |
| Definitions include: something easy. | |
| Definitions include: at some time before the present. | |
| Definitions include: having resumed an activity that one had previously stopped performing. | |
| Definitions include: included. | |
| Definitions include: clitoris. | |
| Definitions include: to intrude. | |
| Definitions include: See barge in. | |
| Definitions include: visible mucus in one's nostrils. | |
| Definitions include: acronym for "be back in a bit", i.e. "I will return in a short amount of time." | |
| Definitions include: never. | |
Other terms relating to 'the': | |
| Definitions include: Walking, generally as opposed to driving. | |
| Definitions include: interrogation. | |
| Definitions include: extremely intoxicated | |
| Definitions include: information. | |
| Definitions include: something you have now is worth more than two things you have just a chance of getting. | |
| Definitions include: A good estimate, term of agreement | |
| Definitions include: a secret advantage. | |
| Definitions include: Inclusive | |
| Definitions include: to make a bad situation worse. | |
| Definitions include: with the amount of time left to finish a task rapidly disappearing. | |
| Definitions include: of a male, to urinate. | |
| Definitions include: secret sexual activity with a person other than one's partner. | |
| Definitions include: extremely popular. | |
| Definitions include: taking a passive role. | |
| Definitions include: the bathroom. | |
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| No longer use it | (1) | ||
| Heard it but never used it | (0) | ||
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