push drugs

Origin

The term "push" in the context of selling has roots in the idea of aggressively promoting or forcing a product onto customers, akin to a street vendor "pushing" their wares. In the 20th century, particularly with the rise of widespread illicit drug use and organized distribution networks after the mid-century, this aggressive sales tactic became inextricably linked with illegal narcotics. The phrase vividly captures the illicit nature of the trade, where dealers don't just sell, but actively "push" their product, often coercing or enticing individuals into addiction, making it a powerful and lasting descriptor for this dangerous activity.