Who Named This?: Swipe

What's the biggest concern of any credit card holder? Yes, credit theft. So why does the credit card industry promote the word "swipe" for using the card?  "May I swipe your card?" asks the waiter before disappearing in the back room. "Yes, please," we say. What did we just agree to?

How about "slide" or "glide" or "scan" or "use"? Why choose a word with such blatant, negative connotations?

Photo Credit