I was reading an excellent explanation of the jQuery UI combobox by Jörn Zaefferer ([here's the link](http://www.learningjquery.com/2010/06/a-jquery-ui-combobox-under-the-hood)).

The fourth line of code reads `var select = this.element.hide()`

Jörn says: 

> 
> The var select references the select element on which the combobox gets applied. To replace the select with the text input, the select is hidden.
> 
> 
> 

I am learning jQuery now, and I don't recall seeing **this.element** before. How is it different that just **this**?