I've asked before and now I feel I must ask again: If someone announced, "I'm pushing forty"

[BlueIris]

and then someone else responded, "I don't think forty's pushing back very hard," would this be an insult or a compliment? Would you be saying the thirtysomething individual seemed older or younger than the dreaded 4-O?

[Syrinx]

1. I think it would be an insult

Imagine a football game. You're at the 39 yard line. You need to get to the 40 for a first down. And the defense is trying to push you back toward your own goal line. If they don't push back hard enough, you might just wind up at the 40, or the 50, or even go all the way for a touchdown.

:shrug:

[puerco-bellies]

2. I would say that it was a complement.

As we age (I'll turn fifty next April) time will beat us down. As you "push" forward, if time is not pushing back, i.e. wearing, tearing, and in general folding, spindleling, and mutilating your ass, it a win!!!

Take a deep breath, relax, and post a poem.

:hi:

[Syrinx]

3. interesting

I think, after reading that, it could be construed either way.

[Skittles]

4. I would ask them what the f*** it meant

then I'd kick their ass no matter what they responded; yes INDEED

[Lady Freedom]

5. If someone announced, "I'm pushing forty"...

I would have to say "Stop it! pushing isn't nice! Forty never did anything to you!"

[mainegreen]

6. Totally meant as a complement.

Means 40's got nothing on you.

[Ivan Sputnik]

7. I would say that, taken literally

it would be equivalent to saying "and you look it" -- an insult. But the person may not be thinking about what it means literally. It's like "I could care less" and "I couldn't care less" meaning the same thing -- people often don't think about the literal meaning of what they're saying. So, I think you either have to ask what is meant or maybe go by their tone of voice.