1 AUGUST 1914, Page 16

THE IRISH "AFTER."

[To THE EDITOR 01 THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—Neither Mr. Arthur Norman (Spectator, July 18th) nor "C. P." (Spectator, July 25th), in discussing the Irish use of " after," has mentioned the common, if slang, English phrase, " What's he after ?" used in reference to anyone who is suspected of being up to mischief, or whose object is not quite clear. I do not know if this is an imported Irishism, but it seems to be quite on a par with Punch's usage.—I am, Sir, &c., K. H. HOPKINS.