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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.
Answer
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
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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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?
The origin of a word refers to its etymology or the historical source from which it originated. It involves tracing the word back to its earliest known form and uncovering its historical development and linguistic roots. Understanding the origin of a word helps to elucidate its meaning and cultural context.
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.
What is the linguistic origin of Genesis?
genesis means beginning or origin
When was Top-Notch Magazine created?
Top-Notch Magazine was created in 1910.
When did Top-Notch Magazine end?
Top-Notch Magazine ended in 1937.
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.
Were do Gypsy's come from in the first place?
The Romani people, commonly referred to as Gypsies, originated from the Indian subcontinent, believed to have migrated to Europe around the 11th century. Their history is characterized by a nomadic lifestyle and persecution faced in various regions they settled in.
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.
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!
How do you rate Thomas Jefferson as president?
Top notch.
