'rubdown' originates from the English words 'rub' and 'down', where 'rub' meant 'to apply pressure with a repeated motion' and 'down' indicated 'a downward motion'.

'rub' and 'down' were combined in English to form the compound noun 'rubdown', which has been used since the 19th century.

Initially, it meant 'to apply pressure downward', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a massage or friction applied to the body'.