THE EXPRESSION "MUTUAL" FRIEND

Is it too late to make an effectual stand against the solecistic expression "mutual friend," which I see in so many books and periodicals of the present day, and hear from so many mouths, even of persons who must know better? Mr. Macaulay, in his review of Croker's edition of Boswell's *Life of Johnson (Edinburgh Review*, vol. liv. p. 12.), strongly objects to the use of the expression "mutual friend," for "common friend." Yet, in spite of his just censure, it seems likely to establish itself in our language, both literary and conversational. It appears to be unknown to some, and forgotten by…