top notch etymology

Etymology:

"Top notch" is an idiom that originated in the 1800s. The term "notch" refers to a small indentation or cut made in the edge of something. In the context of this idiom, "top notch" means to be of the highest quality or standard.

Meaning:

  • Of the highest quality or rank
  • Excellent
  • Unsurpassed

Origin:

The idiom is believed to have originated from the practice of marking the height of a person against a wall or doorframe using notches. The tallest person would have their notch at the top, indicating their superior height. Over time, the phrase "top notch" came to be associated with excellence in general.

Usage:

"Top notch" is commonly used to describe products, services, or performances that are of exceptional quality. It can also be used to refer to the highest level of achievement or expertise.

Examples:

  • "That new restaurant is top notch. The food and service were impeccable."
  • "The professor is a top-notch scholar. His research is groundbreaking."
  • "The company's products are top notch. They're always well-made and reliable."

top notch relate terms

  • notch

    Etymology and Origin The word notch comes from the Old English word noc which origi

  • nock

    Etymology The word nock has multiple origins Old English noc notch Middle Dutch

  • super

    Etymology The word super has Latin origins stemming from the prefix super meaning

  • Nick

    Etymology Derived from the Greek name Νικόλαος Nikolaos meaning victory of

  • scotch

    Etymology The word scotch has multiple origins and meanings 1 Scottish Origin Old

  • chelicerae

    Etymology The term chelicerae is derived from two Greek words Cheilos Meaning lip

  • culmination

    Etymology The word culmination originates from the Latin term culmen meaning top o

  • post

    Etymology From Middle English post from Anglo Norman and Old French post from Latin p

  • spot

    Etymology The word spot traces its origins back to Old English OE specifically to t

  • stop

    Etymology The word stop comes from the Middle English word stoppen which itself deri