Offensive plugging wind - what's the alternative? (5,3)
I believe the answer is:
crude oil
'the alternative?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.
'offensive plugging wind' is the wordplay.
'offensive' becomes 'rude'.
'plugging' indicates putting letters inside (inserted letters plug up a gap in the word).
'wind' becomes 'coil' (coiling is a kind of winding).
'rude' placed inside 'coil' is 'CRUDE OIL'.
'what's' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for crude oil that I've seen before include "From which petrol is made" , "output from rig" , "that has boring producers?" , "Unrefined petroleum" , "liquid asset" .)