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Top-notch referred in 18th century English logging to the worker who stayed nearest the top of a log as it entered the sawing mill. The importance was that the bottom workers frequently went blind from sawdust particles ruining their corneas.

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The situation is probably more complex than this. The answer above refers to sawing pits, where the person underneath in the pit worked in a rain of sawdust. It's possible that "top notch" refers to loggers working on trees in the forest, rather than at the mills cutting planks, where the base of each tree was notched so that short planks could be inserted for the logger to stand on. This was sometimes quite high up the tree as loggers wanted to cut the tree so as to end up with a parallel log which made for easier handling.

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15y ago
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6mo ago

The phrase "top-notch" originated in the mid-19th century in the United States. The term "top" has been used to mean superior or the highest, while "notch" refers to a level or degree. Together, "top-notch" signifies something of the highest quality or excellence.

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Q: What is the linguistic origin of top notch?
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What is the origin of the British slang 'top hole'?

The British slang 'top hole' originates from the term "top whole one" used in British boarding schools to mean "excellent" or "first-rate." Over time, it evolved into the shortened version 'top hole', used to describe something of high quality or top-notch.


In a dictionary the origin of a word found?

In a dictionary, the origin of a word typically includes information on its etymology, tracing its history and linguistic roots. This can help readers understand how the word evolved and entered the language.


What is the definition of the origin of a word?

Etymology : "The origin and historical development of a linguistic form as shown by determining its basic elements, earliest known use, and changes in form and meaning, tracing its transmission from one language to another, identifying its cognates in other languages, and reconstructing its ancestral form where possible." ~ American Heritage Dictionary


What is words that have a common origin?

"Etymology" refers to the study of the origin and development of words. Words that have a common origin are known as cognates, which have similar meanings and linguistic roots in different languages. Examples of cognates include "mother" in English and "madre" in Spanish, both originating from the same Proto-Indo-European word.


What is the linguistic origin of the name fauntleroy?

The name "Fauntleroy" is of English origin. It is derived from a surname that was originally a nickname for someone who was the son of a king.

Related questions

What is the linguistic origin of Genesis?

genesis means beginning or origin


When did Top-Notch Magazine end?

Top-Notch Magazine ended in 1937.


When was Top-Notch Magazine created?

Top-Notch Magazine was created in 1910.


Meaning of top notch?

"top notch" means "first class", "among the best ", "a-one". Example: Our school has a top notch baseball team.


What is a top notch pilot called?

A top notch pilot is referred to as an ace.


Where did the phrase top notch come from?

c. 1577 from 'otch', from Middle French 'oche' (notch) Old French 'ochier' " to notch". Top notch would indicate an arrow notch that could be brought to the bowstring and 'notched' quickly, increasing bowman's rate of fire


What rhymes with sasquatch?

top notch


Can you give an example of a sentence using the word notch?

we need to top it off a notch


What is a string notch on an archery Bow?

its the notch at the top and bottom of the bow that you attach the loops on the string to.


The indention in the top of the manubrium is called?

The indentation in the top of the manubrium is called the jugular notch, also known as the suprasternal notch. This anatomical feature is used as a landmark for various medical measurements and procedures.


What is the origin of the British slang 'top hole'?

The British slang 'top hole' originates from the term "top whole one" used in British boarding schools to mean "excellent" or "first-rate." Over time, it evolved into the shortened version 'top hole', used to describe something of high quality or top-notch.


How do you aim a ak47?

You should align the notch at the rear iron sight with top of the pin on the front iron sight, as you can see the top of pin right inside the notch, and align it with target. Front Pin >>> (_|_) rear notch >>> |""\/""| front pin aligned with rear notch >>> |""\|/""| and aling this with target, you are at it!