When the concept of force is first taught in the elementary curriculum, it is usually introduced as a push or a pull. The recently released "A Framework for K-12 Science Education" describes grade band endpoints for the Core Idea: Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions (NRC 2011). It states that by the end of grade 2 students should know that objects pull or push each other when they collide or are connected. Early research studies have shown that some students have difficulty associating manifestations of force with pushes or pulls. Students' preconceptions about pushes or pulls may affect their learning about types of forces and the interactions involved. This article discusses the assessment probe "Talking About Forces," which can be used to uncover students' preconceptions of the familiar words "push" and "pull" and what they mean in the context of forces. (Contains 2 figures.)