Talk:backup

The term "backup" as a noun, verb and adjective has become more than common since the onset of the cyber age. I was somewhat surprised to learn that it's source is from the 18th century and perhaps is military in origin.

"...........[Origin: 1775–85, Americanism; n. use of v. phrase back up]........." 

Is this so?

There is also a term that has become more of a political expression...."Stonewalling".

Many always considered this to be a context of noble tenacity from a classic military source.[for example: (http://www.firedupmissouri.com/node/2373)].

However the often less than noble context of political filibuster also exists.. This having been derived from a tactic in, of all sports, cricket(?)!

How did this ambigious application of the term become so common in North American politics where cricket players are so rare or at least rarely elected?

Pete327 17:44, 3 April 2008 (UTC)


 * "backup" has been used for bands (musical), and all sorts of other alternates long before the cyber age; the computer use is simple adoption of an entirely common term. As to "stonewalling" in US politics, it comes directly from General Jackson, not via cricket! Robert Ullmann 17:49, 3 April 2008 (UTC)