What is the entire phrase you have had an elegant sufficiency?

Answer 1

The correct phrase is "Have you had (an) elegant sufficiency?"

It is a refinement of "Have you had sufficient/enough?"

EXAMPLE OF USAGE

After serving a meal and the guests have eaten, the host might ask "Have you had elegant sufficiency?" meaning 'Was that meal adequate for you, or would you like some more?'

However, in contrast with the direct enquiry, 'Have you had enough?' -which communicates all sorts of messages!- use of the phrase 'elegant sufficiency' carries the notion of a 'refined and selective sense of appropriateness under the circumstances.'

ORIGINS

The expression elegant sufficiency dates back over two hundred years. An often cited early reference is the line by James Thomson (1700-1748): "An elegant sufficiency, content, ..." (cited by The Imperial Dictionary, 1878)

This quote is from Thomson's work "The Seasons. Spring,"which, starting from line 1158, says...

"An elegant sufficiency, content,

Retirement, rural quiet, friendship, books,

Ease and alternate labour, useful life,

Progressive virtue, and approving Heaven!"

IN DUE COURSE, in Victorian/Edwardian times, the phrase elegant sufficiency was adopted into polite table-manners:

"I have reached an elegant sufficiency and anything additional would be superfluous." -Wordnik.com

TODAY, the expression 'elegant sufficiency', used with due grace and sincerity, might sound very formal and ostentatious.

So, if, with appropriate aplomb, you DO say to someone "Have you had elegant sufficiency?", they might look askance at you. But when they realise what you actually mean, your exceptionally genteel speech will doubtless also raise a wry and knowing smile!

For more information, see Related links below.

Answer 2

Anything else would be flippity floppity