Backslash vs. Backlash — What's the Difference?

The backslash \ is a typographical mark used mainly in computing and is the mirror image of the common slash /. It is sometimes called a hack, whack, escape (from C/UNIX), reverse slash, slosh, downwhack, backslant, backwhack, bash, reverse slant, and reversed virgule.

A sudden or violent backward whipping motion.

A backward virgule ( \ ).

An antagonistic reaction to a trend, development, or event

The punctuation mark \.

A snarl formed in the part of a fishing line that is wound around the reel.

Used erroneously in reference to, or in reading out, the ordinary slash, that is, the punctuation mark /.

The play resulting from loose connections between gears or other mechanical elements.

To escape (a metacharacter) by prepending a backslash that serves as an escape character, thereby forming an escape sequence.

A sudden backward motion.

(figurative) A negative reaction, objection or outcry, especially of a violent or abrupt nature.

(mechanics) The looseness through which one part of connected machinery, such as a wheel, gear, piston, or screw, can be moved without moving the connected parts, or a measurement of the distance moved thereby; either intentional (as allowance) or unintentional (from error or wear).

The jarring or reflex motion caused in badly fitting machinery by irregularities in velocity or a reverse of motion.

To cause or set off a backlash.

The distance through which one part of connected machinery, as a wheel, piston, or screw, can be moved without moving the connected parts, resulting from looseness in fitting or from wear; also, the jarring or reflex motion caused in badly fitting machinery by irregularities in velocity or a reverse of motion.

A strong and sudden reverse movement in a moving part of a machine.

A strong popular reaction serving to counter the effect of an action; - used especially of adverse reactions to social or political developments.

A movement back from an impact

An adverse reaction to some political or social occurrence;

Have an unexpected and undesired effect;