This article explores the historical origins and theoretical development of the term code-switching within the fields of linguistics and sociolinguistics. Drawing on foundational works by Weinreich, Gumperz, Poplack, and Myers-Scotton, it examines how the understanding of code-switching has evolved from a notion of linguistic interference to a complex communicative strategy involving social identity, discourse structure, and bilingual competence. The review highlights major theoretical models, including the Matrix Language Frame model and Communication Accommodation Theory, and critically discusses emerging frameworks such as translanguaging. The article also identifies gaps in the literature, particularly regarding understudied linguistic contexts such as Uzbek-English bilingualism, and suggests directions for future research.