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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: the "Keep It Simple, Stupid Principle". | |
| Definitions include: temporary storage space used then moving or reconfiguring a room. | |
| Definitions include: a metaphorical condition that something depends on. | |
| Definitions include: non-elegant, in a way that solves a problem using the sheer amount of computer processing available, rather than finding (or inventing) a smarter technique. | |
| Definitions include: in a computing user interface, to present something to the user. | |
| Definitions include: acronym of "as far as I know." | |
| Definitions include: marketing material. | |
| Definitions include: acronym for "I think I'm going [to] be sick" or "I think I'm gonna be sick". | |
| Definitions include: an icon, pictorial, or 3D representation of a person online. | |
| Definitions include: a declaration of victory or superiority. | |
| Definitions include: acronym for "you are not a lawyer." | |
| Definitions include: "ask me anything". | |
| Definitions include: rules governing socially acceptable behavior on Twitter. | |
| Definitions include: acronym for "as far as I can see". | |
| Definitions include: the "real world" time of day - i.e. the time of day displayed by the clock on the wall - rather than other measures of time, such as a computer's current uptime. | |
Slang terms with the same root words
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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: To beat someone up, inflict head injury | |
| 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." | |
Other terms relating to 'the': | |
| Definitions include: the real information or the proof, instruction, the know how, where, when, and why about something or someone. | |
| 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. | |
| 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: having an opinion or belief prior to it becoming common or popular. | |
| Definitions include: of a male, to urinate. | |
| Definitions include: Someone being butthurt over having something, they do to others regularly, done to the them | |
| Definitions include: secret sexual activity with a person other than one's partner. | |
How common is this slang?
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| No longer use it | (1) | |
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| Heard it but never used it | (0) | |
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| Have never heard it | (5) | |
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How vulgar is this slang?
Average of 5 votes: 46% (See the most vulgar words.)
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