Definition of swipe

The word "swipe" originally referred to the quick and forceful motion used to clear debris from a table or countertop, as one might do when preparing a surface for use. This meaning can be traced back to the mid-1940s, originating in the United States. Later in the 1980s, the term took on a new meaning with the advent of the touchscreen. In this context, "swipe" was used to describe the motion of moving a finger or stylus across the screen to navigate or move information. Its meaning became more associated with electronic devices and computer functions, rather than cleaning. The use of "swipe" to describe the motion of sliding a finger across a touchscreen to reveal hidden content, such as menus or notifications, became particularly popular with the development of smartphones, as users grew accustomed to the intuitive gesture for activating and navigating multiple functions or apps. In summary, the modern usage of "swipe" as a technical term for touchscreen actions is a product of the evolution of technology and the need for simple, intuitive gestures to facilitate the use of mobile devices.