How Do You Spell RUBOUT?

Pronunciation: [ɹˈuːba͡ʊt] (IPA)

The word "rubout" is spelled according to the rules of English phonetics. It contains two syllables, with the first being stressed, and is written as /ˈrʌbaʊt/. The initial "r" sound is followed by a "uh" sound, then a "b" sound, an "ow" diphthong, and finally a "t" sound. This phonetic transcription explains why the word is spelled with a "u" and not an "o" or an "a", as the vowel sound in the first syllable is pronounced as a short "uh" sound. Rubout is often used as a slang term for murder or assassination.

RUBOUT Meaning and Definition

1. A "rubout" refers to a drastic and sudden removal or erasure of something or someone, often through violent means. The term is commonly associated with crime or criminal activities, particularly within the realm of organized crime. In this context, a "rubout" typically signifies the deliberate killing or assassination of an individual as a means of eliminating evidence or eliminating a rival.

   The word "rubout" originated from the idea of completely eliminating a single mark or creating a smooth surface by rubbing it out. Metaphorically, it implies eliminating a person or thing to such an extent that it leaves no trace or evidence behind, giving the impression that they never existed. The term is often used to describe instances involving criminals or underworld figures "rubbing out" their enemies, associates, or potential threats.

   While the term is primarily found in the jargon of crime and detective novels, it may also be used more generally to describe the obliteration or disappearance of any object or concept. As such, it can be used in a broader context outside of criminal activities to refer to the complete erasure or removal of something, whether physical or abstract. However, its primary association remains with the violent elimination of a person or a thing in the criminal underworld.

Common Misspellings for RUBOUT

• eubout
• fubout
• tubout
• 5ubout
• 4ubout
• rybout
• rhbout
• rjbout
• r8bout
• r7bout
• ruvout
• ruhout
• rubiut
• rubkut
• rublut
• rubput
• rub0ut
• rub9ut
• ruboyt
• ruboht

Etymology of RUBOUT

The word "rubout" has its origins in the United States during the early 20th century, particularly in the criminal underworld. It is derived from the slang verb "rub out", which means to eliminate, expunge, or murder someone. The exact etymology of the term is uncertain, but there are a few theories.

One theory suggests that "rub out" evolved from the action of erasing pencil or chalk marks by rubbing them out. This notion of erasing or eliminating later became associated with getting rid of a person, leading to the use of "rub out" to mean killing someone.

Another theory proposes that "rub out" may have derived from the use of a rubber or eraser to conceal a mistake or wrongdoing, connecting it to the idea of making someone disappear discreetly.

Plural form of RUBOUT is RUBOUTS