Push the envelope

[Paul McFedries]

Semi-interestingly, a Lexis search on "push the envelope" returned 634
matches over the past 90 days, while a search of "push the edge of the
envelope" returned only 16 matches over the same time span. "Push the edge
of the envelope" may have been the original formulation, but it appears that
the shorter "push the envelope" phrase is the usage champ.

In any case, it seems to me that all you've done is restated the definition
of "push (the edge of) the envelope." I guess what I'm really interested in
is the root of the "envelope" metaphor. Why is the set of limitations for an
aircraft (or of any technological system) called an "envelope"?

Paul

----- Original Message -----
From: "Richard Petty Deegan" <nyinstitute at VIABCP.COM>
To: <ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
Sent: Tuesday, July 25, 2000 3:22 PM
Subject: Re: Push the envelope


> The expression is actually "push the edge of the envelope", and refers to
> the limits of an aircraft's potential. There is an envelope within whioch
> the aircraft can perform- the job of a test pilot is to push the edge -to
> see if he can extend the possibilities of rangem speed, performance etc.
> Rich
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Paul McFedries" <paul at MCFEDRIES.COM>
> To: <ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
> Sent: Monday, July 24, 2000 6:17 AM
> Subject: Push the envelope
>
>
> > I'm trying to find some background on the idiom "push the envelope" (to
> > increase the operating capabilities of a system). I have some vague
> > recollection that it originated with aircraft and had something to do
with
> > the speed of sound and that Tom Wolfe talked about it in The Right
Stuff.
> > However, my wasted youth prevents a complete recall. In particular, I'm
> > interested in why the word "envelope" is used.
> >
> > Thanks a bunch.
> >
> > Paul
> > Home: http://www.mcfedries.com/
> > Word Spy: http://www.wordspy.com/
> >