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Tab

{{About|the soft drink|other uses|Tab (disambiguation)}} Tab (stylized as TaB) is a diet cola that was produced and distributed by from 1963 until its discontinuation in 2020. It was created as one of the earliest low-calorie colas on the market, initially sweetened with a blend of cyclamates and to appeal to consumers monitoring their weight, and marketed with the encouraging people to "keep tabs" on their figure. The beverage featured a distinctive color from its packaging and a crisp, citrus-forward flavor profile that set it apart from regular colas, contributing to its status as a of mid-20th-century diet trends. Tab's development was spurred by the success of Royal Crown's Diet-Rite, the first nationally distributed launched in 1958, prompting to enter the growing low-calorie market in 1963. The product quickly gained popularity, becoming the leading diet soft drink in the United States by the early 1980s. It faced significant challenges in the late 1960s when the U.S. banned cyclamates due to cancer concerns in animal studies, leading to a reformulation using only ; further adjustments came in 1984 with the addition of () to enhance taste amid ongoing sweetener debates. Throughout its run, Tab cultivated a loyal following, particularly among women and those embracing fitness and weight-loss culture, and appeared in advertising campaigns featuring celebrities like Kim Novak. Variants such as Clear Tab (a clear cola variant introduced in 1992) and Tab Energy (a caffeinated energy drink launched in 2006) expanded the brand, though the original cola remained its cornerstone. By the 2010s, declining sales amid competition from newer zero-calorie options like Diet Coke and Coke Zero led to its phased withdrawal; production ceased in most markets by December 2020, though limited availability persisted in some areas until supplies ran out. Despite discontinuation, Tab retains nostalgic appeal, with fan campaigns continuing to push for revival as of 2025. For other uses of "Tab", see [[Tab (disambiguation)]].

Places

In Europe

Tab is a town in , southwestern , serving as the administrative seat of Tab District. Located approximately 115 kilometers (straight-line) or 140 kilometers (driving) southwest of , it lies about 22 kilometers from the southern shore of , Central Europe's largest freshwater lake, which influences the local climate and economy. The town covers an area of 25.86 square kilometers and has a population density of around 154 inhabitants per square kilometer. As of the 2022 census, Tab's population was 4,116, with estimates projecting a slight decline to 3,971 by 2025, reflecting broader rural depopulation trends in Hungary. The demographic profile includes roughly equal numbers of males and females, with a significant portion (about 63%) in the working-age group of 15-64 years. Historically, the area around Tab has been tied to agricultural activities, with Somogy County known for cereal production, viticulture, fruit growing, and forestry, contributing to the town's heritage in rural farming practices. This agricultural focus persists, supporting local employment and the regional economy near Lake Balaton's fertile plains.

In Asia

At Tab is a small rural village in the Musandam Governorate of , nestled within the dramatic of the . Located at coordinates 26°02'03"N 56°13'03"E and an elevation of about 437 meters, it exemplifies the rugged, fjord-indented landscape typical of the , which protrudes into the . The region features steep cliffs, deep wadis, and a hot , supporting a sparse primarily engaged in subsistence activities such as limited in terraced valleys—growing crops like dates, , and —and traditional along the coast. With Musandam Governorate's overall at around 55,700 as of 2025, villages like At Tab remain isolated and traditional, preserving cultural practices amid the challenging mountainous terrain.

People

Musicians

Tab Benoit (born November 17, 1967, in ) is an American blues guitarist, singer, and producer renowned for his contributions to , a style blending Delta, Texas, Chicago, and regional Cajun influences. Growing up in the oil and fishing town of , Benoit began playing guitar as a teenager, drawing early inspiration from artists like , , and , which shaped his raw, high-energy performances characterized by gritty and emotive vocals. He released his debut , Nice and Warm, in 1992 on the Justice label, marking the start of a prolific career that saw him perform over 250 shows annually for more than two decades at clubs and festivals worldwide. Benoit's musical evolution continued after signing with in 1999, followed by a pivotal deal with Telarc International (now part of ) in 2002, where he refined his sound to a stripped-down three-piece format emphasizing acoustic roots and rhythms. Notable releases include Wetlands (2004), which highlighted environmental themes tied to Louisiana's , and Medicine (2011), featuring collaborations that underscored his role in preserving swamp blues traditions through modern production. In 2004, he founded the nonprofit Voice of the Wetlands, using music from the Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars project—including the album Box of Pictures (2011)—to advocate for , blending his artistry with . Benoit's Grammy-nominated work and consistent touring have solidified his status as a leading figure in contemporary , with a exceeding 15 albums that prioritize authentic Southern storytelling over commercial trends. Talmadge "Tab" Smith (January 11, 1909 – August 17, 1971) was an influential American alto saxophonist pivotal in the transition from swing jazz to rhythm and blues during the mid-20th century. Born in Kinston, North Carolina, to a pianist mother with four sisters who were also pianists, Smith learned piano from his family before switching to C-melody saxophone at age 13 and specializing in alto sax; his early training in a musical household laid the foundation for a career spanning big bands and solo recordings. He launched his professional journey in 1929 by forming the Carolina Stompers in Washington, D.C., and soon joined ensembles like Ike Dixon's band in Baltimore and Edgar Hayes' group, gaining experience in the vibrant jazz scenes of the Northeast. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Smith rose to national prominence as a with major orchestras, including stints with (1936–1938) and briefly with Count Basie in 1938, where his bright, expressive vibrato complemented the era's sound; he also recorded alongside luminaries like , , and on sessions for labels such as Decca. Transitioning to bandleading in the 1940s, Smith fronted his own groups and scored early R&B successes, including the 1949 hit "Top o' the Morning," a lively instrumental that showcased his melodic phrasing and helped bridge jazz improvisation with emerging . His shift to United Records yielded his biggest commercial breakthrough with "Because of You" in 1951, which topped the R&B chart for five weeks and crossed over to number 20 on the pop chart, exemplifying his adaptation of pop standards into sax-driven, jukebox-friendly tracks influenced by peers like and . Smith's concise, emotive style on over 100 recordings influenced the R&B idiom, though health issues curtailed his later career; he died in , , leaving a legacy as a versatile stylist who helped define postwar Black music transitions.

Actors and singers

Tab Hunter, born Arthur Andrew Gelien on July 11, 1931, in New York City to German immigrant parents Charles Kelm and Gertrude Gelien, was an American actor and singer who rose to prominence as a teen idol during the Hollywood Golden Age. He adopted the stage name "Tab Hunter" early in his career, suggested by talent agent Henry Willson, and became known for his blond hair, blue eyes, and wholesome image that appealed to 1950s audiences. Hunter's acting breakthrough came with the 1955 film Battle Cry, where he portrayed a young Marine, leading to a seven-year contract with Warner Bros. and roles in over 40 films spanning romantic dramas, Westerns, and musicals. One of Hunter's most iconic roles was as Joe Hardy, the middle-aged fan transformed into a young star player, in the 1958 film adaptation of the musical . Directed by and , the film showcased Hunter's charm and athleticism alongside and , contributing to its status as a classic supernatural sports comedy. His performance in highlighted his versatility in musical theater adaptations, blending acting with light dance and song sequences. Later in his career, Hunter appeared in cult favorites like (1981) and (1985), demonstrating his enduring presence in entertainment into the . As a singer, Hunter released several pop singles in the late 1950s through , capitalizing on his film fame to cross over into music. His biggest , "Young Love," written by Ric Cartey and Carole Joyner, topped the chart for six weeks in 1957, selling over a million copies and marking a rare instance of an actor achieving pop stardom without prior musical training. Follow-up singles like "Ninety-Nine Ways" reached number 27 on the , while his smooth, boy-next-door vocal style resonated with teenage fans, leading to appearances on variety shows and a star on the in the recording category in 1960. Hunter's music career, though brief, underscored the era's trend of leveraging appeal for recording success. Hunter passed away on July 8, 2018, in , at the age of 86 from due to a blood clot, leaving a legacy as a multifaceted entertainer who navigated the constraints of mid-20th-century stardom. In his 2005 memoir , he reflected on his career and personal life, including his experiences as a man in conservative .

Sports figures

Tab Baldwin, born Thomas Anthony Baldwin on May 16, 1958, in , is an American-New Zealand coach renowned for his extensive international career spanning over four decades. After coaching in the United States for five years, Baldwin relocated to in 1988, where he quickly established himself as a dominant figure in domestic and national . In New Zealand, Baldwin's early success came with the Otago Nuggets, whom he led to the National Basketball League (NBL) championship in his debut season of 1988. He then joined the Auckland Stars, guiding the team to five NBL titles over eight seasons and earning widespread recognition for his tactical acumen. On the international stage, Baldwin served as head coach of the New Zealand Tall Blacks from 2000 to 2007, achieving a historic fourth-place finish at the 2002 FIBA World Championship in Indianapolis, New Zealand's best result at the time. His leadership also secured a silver medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and a tenth-place finish at the 2004 Athens Olympics, earning him the Halberg Award for Coach of the Year in both 2001 and 2002. In recognition of these contributions, Baldwin was inducted into the Basketball New Zealand Hall of Fame in 2023. Baldwin transitioned to the Philippines in 2014, initially serving as the program director and head coach for Gilas Pilipinas, the national team, where he oversaw qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympics and won the 2015 SEABA Championship. He stepped down from the national team role in 2020 due to scheduling conflicts with his club commitments but continued to influence Philippine basketball development. Concurrently, Baldwin took over as head coach of the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) in 2016, transforming the program into a dynasty with four championships in Seasons 80 (2017), 81 (2018), 82 (2019), and 85 (2022), alongside six Finals appearances. By September 2025, he had amassed 100 UAAP wins in 134 games, achieving a 75% winning percentage (100-34), making him the third-fastest coach to reach that milestone. In September 2025, Ateneo extended Baldwin's contract through UAAP Season 91 (2028), affirming his long-term role in shaping the team's culture and success. Baldwin's emphasis on discipline and player development has elevated coaching standards in the Philippines, contributing to international basketball growth in the region.

Arts, entertainment, and media

Music

In music, "tab" most commonly refers to , a form of musical notation specifically designed for string instruments such as the , , and . Unlike traditional staff notation, which uses symbols to represent and , tablature employs a text-based system where horizontal lines represent the strings of the instrument, and numbers or symbols on those lines indicate the positions to be pressed. This method allows musicians, particularly self-taught players, to quickly learn and perform pieces without needing to read complex , making it especially popular in , , and contemporary genres. Tablature originated in the period, with early examples appearing in 15th- and 16th-century manuscripts for the , where it facilitated the transcription of intricate polyphonic by specifying finger placements rather than absolute pitches. Over time, it evolved into modern guitar tabs, often shared online in ASCII format, which further democratized access to .

Publishing formats

The tabloid format is a compact newspaper style, typically measuring 11 by 17 inches, which is roughly half the size of a standard broadsheet. This smaller dimension allows for easier handling and portability, making it suitable for quick reading in urban or public settings. The format emphasizes bold, attention-grabbing layouts with large photographs and concise articles, often prioritizing visual appeal over dense text. Originating in the during the late 19th century, the tabloid gained prominence through Alfred Harmsworth's innovations, who coined the term in 1884 to describe a condensed product and launched the first modern tabloid, the , in 1903. It quickly became associated with sensational headlines, crime stories, and coverage, appealing to working-class readers by blending with entertainment in an accessible package. This style contrasted with the more formal broadsheets, fostering a distinct journalistic approach that prioritized drama and human interest over in-depth analysis. The tab format, a variant often synonymous with tabloid but applied to smaller-scale publications, serves regional and student newspapers by offering brevity and cost efficiency compared to full broadsheets. Regional outlets adopt it to cover local events succinctly, reducing production expenses while maintaining readability for community audiences. Similarly, student newspapers favor this style for its practicality in campus distribution, enabling groups with limited resources to produce engaging content without the logistical challenges of larger sheets. Over time, many traditional newspapers have shifted to tabloid sizes, adapting to digital publishing for broader reach.

Fictional characters

Notable fictional characters bearing the name Tab remain scarce across , , and other forms, with no prominent examples achieving widespread recognition or cultural impact.

Brands and enterprises

Food and beverages

Tab, stylized as TaB, is a cola produced by , introduced in 1963 as one of the first successful low-calorie colas in the United States, amid the emerging popularity of beverages following post-World War II health trends. Originally sweetened with a blend of cyclamates and to appeal to consumers seeking sugar-free options, it became a in the and 1980s, particularly among women due to its marketing emphasis on —encouraging people to "keep tabs" on their figure—and was packaged in a distinctive pink can that set it apart from competitors. It achieved peak sales in the late before facing over 's safety after the FDA proposed a ban in 1977 due to cancer concerns in animal studies, though Congress imposed a moratorium that prevented it from taking effect, with extensions in 1981; was later deemed safe and the proposal withdrawn in 1991. Tab's market share declined sharply after the 1982 launch of Diet Coke, which offered a similar taste profile with aspartame and broader appeal, leading to reduced production and limited distribution by the 1990s. Coca-Cola announced the discontinuation of Tab in most markets on October 16, 2020, with production ceasing by the end of the year, citing low sales volumes compared to core brands, though it remained available in select locations like the company's Atlanta headquarters until supplies ran out. By 2025, dedicated fan groups such as the Save TaB Soda Committee have intensified revival efforts through open letters, billboards, and social media campaigns, pressuring Coca-Cola to reintroduce the brand, but no official revival has occurred, with the company focusing instead on other legacy product comebacks like Surge and Mr. Pibb. Variants like TaB Clear (1992) and TaB Energy (2006) were short-lived extensions, but the original cola remained its cornerstone.

Retail and services

In , the (TAB) was established on 19 October 1950 as a government-owned to legalize and regulate off-course betting, primarily on , in response to illegal bookmaking and lost . The first TAB branches opened in 1951 in Dannevirke and , marking the world's inaugural government-run totalisator wagering service, with initial operations limited to strict, no-frills environments without advertising, seating, or same-day payouts. By the 1980s, outlets expanded into pubs with added amenities like television screens, and was introduced in alongside fixed-odds options, growing to encompass thousands of domestic and races annually across gallops, , and greyhounds. As of 2023, franchised its management rights to under a 25-year agreement, while retaining government ownership of the entity, enabling operations through a network of over 500 retail outlets nationwide and robust online platforms including a and website for and sports wagering. In June 2025, legislative amendments under the Racing Industry Act extended TAB's to online betting, prohibiting unlicensed operators and reinforcing its role as the sole legal provider of such services in the country. In , the (TAB) wagering system originated with the Victorian TAB's establishment in 1961, which legalized off-course totalisator betting on horse and , followed by similar state-based agencies such as in 1964. These government entities managed pari-mutuel (totalisator) pools for race betting, evolving into privatized operations under Holdings, formed in 1994 through the merger and acquisition of Victorian and other state TABs, positioning it as a dominant force in the national gambling sector. 's TAB brand now operates as Australia's largest multichannel wagering provider, handling billions in annual turnover from , , and across retail venues, telephone services, and digital channels. By 2025, digital expansions have included enhanced app-based in-play betting trials in pubs and clubs—approved as an first—and centralized for global distribution of live feeds, bolstering accessibility and competitiveness amid evolving regulations on .

Media outlets

The Tab is a British digital news platform specializing in youth culture, entertainment, and student life, founded in 2009 by three students as an alternative to traditional student newspapers. It initially launched at and quickly expanded across universities, emphasizing cheeky, viral content tailored to young audiences through platforms. By 2017, the platform had secured significant investment from , enabling further growth into the market with localized editions covering college news and trends. In 2020, The Tab was acquired by Digitalbox Plc for £750,000, integrating it into a portfolio of digital media properties while maintaining its focus on student-generated content from over 20 university networks worldwide. By 2025, it continues to thrive as a key outlet for youth-oriented journalism, leveraging social media for high-engagement stories on topics like campus events, pop culture, and social issues, with a presence in the UK, US, and select international campuses.

Computing and technology

User interfaces

In graphical user interfaces (GUIs), a tab is a navigational component that enables multiple content panels or pages to be displayed within a single window, allowing users to switch between them via selectable labels resembling physical tabs or dividers. This design consolidates related information or views, reducing screen clutter and supporting efficient interaction with complex applications. Tab controls, as implemented in systems like Windows, define separate pages of controls or data that users access by clicking or selecting the active tab, with the selected tab's content appearing in the shared client area. Tabbed interfaces evolved from early windowing systems of the , where the proliferation of overlapping windows prompted developers to explore consolidated layouts for better . Initial appearances occurred in dialog boxes and property sheets within operating systems; for instance, Microsoft tested tab-like features in pre-release builds of as early as 1993, using them to organize folder access and settings. These early forms focused on grouping related options within application windows, laying the groundwork for broader adoption in desktop software. The tab gained prominence in web browsers during the late 1990s, transforming how users managed online content. NetCaptor, released in 1997, introduced one of the first tabbed browsing implementations, enabling multiple web pages to load concurrently in a single window to streamline development and navigation tasks. Opera's version 4 in 2000 further popularized the feature by integrating native tabs, allowing users to open and switch between documents without spawning new windows, a capability first hinted at in its 1994 release through multiple-document support. By 2002, (initially ) adopted tabs as a core element, emphasizing speed and organization, while in 2006 brought the functionality to mainstream users on and . Modern browsers like , launched in 2008, enhanced tabs with features such as drag-and-drop rearrangement and crash isolation per tab, solidifying their role in daily computing. Tabbed interfaces promote multitasking by permitting users to maintain several contexts visible and accessible simultaneously, minimizing disruptions from window management. In web browsing specifically, tabs support parallel exploration—such as researching a topic across sources or keeping reference pages open—while reducing reliance on the back button for navigation. A 2010 study of Mozilla Firefox users found that tabs were predominantly used for revisitation (73.3% of switches) and concurrent task handling, with 81% of participants preferring them over separate windows for a cleaner, more efficient ; this preference stemmed from easier switching and reduced visual overload, with average sessions involving 5-10 open tabs. Such designs have since extended beyond browsers to applications like text editors and , where tabs organize files , though overuse can lead to "tab " and cognitive .

Input devices

The Tab key, also known as the tabulator key, is a standard feature on computer keyboards, originating from typewriter designs where it advanced the carriage to predefined tab stops for aligning text in columns. This mechanism was first patented in 1900 by Frederic W. Hillard as part of a type-writing machine that used a tabulator rack to position the typing point efficiently. By the early , the Tab key became integral to typewriter keyboards, enabling rapid formatting of tabular data, and it transitioned seamlessly to electronic keyboards with the advent of . In modern computing, the Tab key corresponds to ASCII code 9, representing the horizontal tabulation (HT) control character, which signals a move to the next horizontal tab stop. This code allows the key to insert variable-width spacing, typically equivalent to 4 or 8 spaces depending on the system's tab stop settings, facilitating indentation in text editors and code. The key is positioned in the upper left of standard QWERTY keyboards, immediately above Caps Lock, and has remained consistent across layouts since the typewriter era to support uniform input practices. Primary functions of the Tab key include advancing the cursor or focus to the next for text alignment, navigating between interactive fields in forms, and indenting content in documents or . For form navigation, pressing Tab moves focus forward through elements like input fields, buttons, and links in a logical reading order, a convention essential for keyboard accessibility in web and application interfaces. Conversely, combining the Tab key with the Shift modifier (Shift-Tab) reverses the direction, allowing backward traversal through fields for efficient editing without mouse use. In such as word processors, the Tab key streamlines document formatting by applying consistent indentation to paragraphs or lists.

Text formatting

The tab character, designated as U+0009 in the standard, is a non-printing known as CHARACTER TABULATION or horizontal tabulation (HT). It functions to advance the cursor or printing position to the next predefined in a line of text, facilitating alignment and spacing in formatting. This control code originates from early computing standards and remains essential for processing across systems. In data handling, the tab character serves as a delimiter in (TSV) files, a common text-based format for tabular data interchange used by spreadsheets, databases, and other applications. Each record in a TSV file occupies a single line, with fields separated by U+0009 characters, and the first line typically contains field names; this structure ensures consistent column separation without the need for enclosing quotes unless tabs appear within field values, which is generally prohibited to maintain integrity. The format's type is text/tab-separated-values, emphasizing its role in machine-readable data exchange. Tab stops represent the configurable positions where the tab character halts advancement, enabling precise text alignment in word processors and text editors. By convention, default tab stops are positioned every eight character columns, a spacing inherited from historical ASCII implementations that assumed fixed-width fonts for columnar layout. In applications like , users can adjust these stops via the Paragraph dialog or ruler, setting custom intervals (defaulting to 0.5 inches, approximately eight characters at standard 12-point font size) and alignments such as left, center, right, or decimal for numerical data. This adjustability supports complex document layouts, including leader lines (e.g., dots or dashes) between tabbed elements. In programming contexts, the tab character is often employed to enhance code readability through indentation, though its rendering depends on editor-specific configurations.

Aviation

Aircraft components

In aircraft design, tabs serve as auxiliary control surfaces that enhance flight efficiency by leveraging aerodynamic forces. These mechanical components, typically small hinged flaps attached to primary control surfaces such as elevators, ailerons, or rudders, allow pilots to manage attitude and reduce control forces without relying solely on direct mechanical linkages. Servo tabs function as dynamic auxiliary s mounted on primary flight surfaces, moving in the opposite direction to the pilot's input to generate aerodynamic forces that assist in deflecting the main surface. This amplification of control input reduces the physical effort required from the pilot, particularly in larger or older with cable-driven systems where hydraulic power was less common. For instance, on s, the servo tab's deployment creates airflow that aerodynamically drives the elevator deflection, thereby lightening the control loads and improving responsiveness. Historically, servo tabs were widely used in pre-jet era designs to simplify control mechanisms, though they have largely been supplanted by powered controls in modern . Trim tabs, in contrast, are adjustable auxiliary surfaces designed to counteract aerodynamic imbalances and maintain a desired attitude without continuous pilot input. By deflecting slightly to produce a counteracting force or moment, trim tabs relieve persistent control pressures, enabling "hands-off" flight once the aircraft is stabilized. In contemporary , these tabs are often small and actuated electrically or hydraulically, allowing precise adjustments via cockpit controls to compensate for factors like weight shifts or speed changes. Ground-adjustable variants, common in smaller planes, are manually bent during maintenance to preset trim for typical flight conditions. This mechanism relies on basic aerodynamic principles, where the tab's deflection alters the pressure distribution on the primary surface to achieve .

Organizations and acronyms

Transportes Aéreos da Bacia Amazônica (TABA), with ICAO code TAB, was a Brazilian regional headquartered in that operated from 1976 to 1999, specializing in services across the . Founded on November 11, 1975, as part of Brazil's national aviation restructuring to improve regional connectivity, TABA began flights on , 1976, initially using small propeller aircraft to serve remote areas in states including , , , , , and parts of and . The airline's fleet evolved to support its focus on short-haul routes in challenging terrain, starting with nine-passenger Beechcraft D-18S and H-18S models, later incorporating Curtiss C-46 Commandos, four Fairchild Hiller FH-227B turboprops, ten Embraer EMB 110 Bandeirantes, and leased jets such as British Aerospace 146-100s (1983–1985), Bombardier Dash 8-300s (three units until 1996), Fokker 100s (two until 1995), and a chartered Boeing 727-200. By 1980, TABA connected 34 cities with a fleet of 14 aircraft, emphasizing reliable transport for passengers and cargo in the underserved Amazon region. In the early 1990s, it expanded to southeastern Brazil, including Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte, and initiated its first international service to Georgetown, Guyana, in 1992. TABA ceased operations in 1999 amid severe financial challenges, including the high costs of jet leases, the failure of a 1995 charter subsidiary called Air Vias, and broader economic pressures on Brazil's regional carriers during deregulation. In contexts, TAB also denotes the Theater Aviation Brigade, a U.S. unit responsible for rotary-wing and fixed-wing support in theater-level operations. Additionally, TAB stands for in various terminologies, referring to forward-operating airstrips used for combat deployments.

Other uses

Finance and slang

In finance and slang, the term "tab" has given rise to several idiomatic expressions rooted in historical practices. The phrase keeping tabs refers to closely monitoring or tracking someone or something, often to maintain an or record of activities. This originated in the late from the practice of using tabs—small projecting pieces of paper or markers on ledgers—to denote entries in accounting books, particularly in colloquial usage around 1886. By the , "tab" itself had evolved to mean a bill or , as in bar tabs or restaurant checks, facilitating the figurative sense of vigilant oversight, such as in or personal . Another common idiom is pick up the tab, meaning to pay for a or , especially in a or group setting like a or drinks. This expression derives from the early 20th-century custom in saloons and restaurants where patrons ran a "tab"—a running account marked on a or —before settling it at the end. The phrasal verb "pick up" in the sense of paying a or tab emerged around 1945, combining the literal idea of retrieving a with the financial responsibility of covering costs, and became widespread in mid-20th-century informal speech. Today, it often implies or in shared expenses, as in "I'll pick up the tab for dinner tonight."

Mechanical and structural

In mechanical and structural contexts, a tab refers to a small projecting piece, flap, strap, or loop attached to an object for purposes such as handling, identification, or secure attachment. This feature facilitates easy manipulation or organization, as seen in everyday items like file folders where tabs protrude to allow quick sorting and retrieval of documents. In engineering and manufacturing, tabs are commonly employed as structural elements for alignment and assembly, particularly in sheet metal fabrication. For instance, a tab-and-slot design involves protruding tabs on one component that interlock with corresponding slots on another, enabling self-fixturing, precise positioning during welding, or the creation of weld-free enclosures without additional fasteners. This method enhances efficiency in assembly processes by minimizing the need for clamps or jigs, as the tabs provide inherent support and alignment. In military applications, tabs serve as cloth or metal worn on uniforms to denote specialized qualifications or skills earned through rigorous training. These arched patches are typically affixed to the upper sleeve and symbolize elite proficiency in areas such as or combat operations. A prominent example is the U.S. Ranger , an embroidered black-and-gold patch introduced in 1944 and awarded to soldiers who successfully complete the demanding 61-day Ranger , which tests physical endurance, tactical expertise, and small-unit in diverse environments. The tab's , featuring a black embroidered background with yellow border and "RANGER" lettering, draws from the colors of earlier Ranger (deep blue background with yellow borders and letters) to honor historical precedents from and Korean War-era units.

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