Although the term `` backspace '' is the standard name of the key which deletes the character to the left of the cursor , the actual key may be labeled in a variety of ways , for example delete , Erase ( for example in XO-1 , One Laptop Per Child ) , or with a left pointing arrow . Although the term `` backspace '' is the standard name of the key which deletes the character to the left of the cursor , the actual key may be labeled in a variety of ways , for example delete , Erase ( for example in One Laptop Per Child ) , or with a left pointing arrow .