"PUSH" OR "OFFENSIVE" P
(To ran EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR.")
Ste,—The word "push" as meaning "attack" or "offensive" seems to be shunned by serious journalists as if it were slang. The use of the word inn this sense is, however, Shakespearean. Thus Macbeth, when informed of the approach of the English force, says (Act V., se. iii.)— " This push Will cheer me ever, or dieseat me now "- clearly meaning that the coming attack would result in a decisive battle. May I suggest that " push " is more expressive, more accurate, and better English than "offensive" to denote an attack or forward thrust ? Besides, is "offensive" a noun P Is it not an adjective and meaningless when used by itself ? Com- pare "offensive warfare."-1 am. Sir, Ac., L. H. Emonearoos. Retire. Itritish Honduras. October 25th.
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