pushover etymology

Etymology:

"Pushover" is a compound word derived from two sources:

  • "Push": The act of applying force to move something.
  • "Over": Denoting a state of being defeated or overwhelmed.

Meaning and Origin:

The term "pushover" emerged in the early 20th century in American slang. It originally referred to a person or thing that was easy to overcome or defeat. The concept stems from the idea of someone being "pushed over" with little effort, implying their weakness or vulnerability.

Over time, the meaning of "pushover" has expanded to include the following:

  • Someone who is easily manipulated or exploited.
  • A task or situation that is not challenging or demanding.
  • A person or thing that lacks assertiveness or confidence.

In colloquial usage, the term is often used with a negative connotation, implying that someone is weak, gullible, or easily defeated. However, it can also be used ironically to refer to someone who is unexpectedly strong or difficult to overcome.

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