In BrE to top oneself is a colloquial way of saying ‘to kill oneself’. But it was the AmE meaning ‘to surpass oneself/one’s previous achievements‘ that was clearly intended by the New York Times.
In this post
What does topping yourself mean?
To outdo oneself
(US, idiomatic) To outdo oneself or do more than one’s previous best.
Where did the term over the top come from?
The phrase over the top has an interesting origin. The expression originated during World War I to describe the action of emerging from the trenches to charge across an open area to attack the enemy. The invention of the phrase is attributed to British soldiers.
What does off yourself mean?
Exactly as you say – kill yourself. Most people will say, “committed suicide”. It is heard often enough in movies and in literature.
What does topping mean in slang?
Topping, slang term for capital punishment, especially hanging or beheading.
What does topped himself mean in Australia?
suicide
to “top yourself” is commonly used in Australia to mean suicide.
Where did the phrase no dice come from?
The phrase ‘no dice’ originated in America in the early 20th century. Gambling was illegal in several states, making gamblers take care to hide their dice or even swallow them if challenged by authorities. Courts would often throw gambling cases out if no dice were in evidence.
What does op mean in military terms?
An observation post (commonly abbreviated OP), temporary or fixed, is a position from which soldiers can watch enemy movements, to warn of approaching soldiers (such as in trench warfare), or to direct fire.
When people say you’re over the top?
over-the-top in American English
so unconventional, exaggerated, or excessive as to be considered outrageous, unbelievable, ridiculous, etc.
What does trifurcation mean?
division into three branches
Medical Definition of trifurcation
: division into three branches trifurcation of a blood vessel.
What does offing mean in slang?
In the near or immediate future; soon to come. For example, Jan was delighted that exams were finished and graduation was in the offing. This expression originally meant “in the part of the ocean visible between shore and horizon”; its figurative use dates from the late 1700s.
Were in the red meaning?
Definition of in the red
: spending and owing more money than is being earned Apparently the company had been in the red for some time before it went out of business.
What does it mean to let your girl top you?
The exact origins of the phrase are unknown, although an Urban Dictionary entry from earlier this month defines it as: “Wanting someone to beat you up … He/She/They can top me any day!”
What does topping mean in England?
Definition of topping (Entry 2 of 2) 1 : highest in rank or eminence. 2 New England : proud, arrogant. 3 chiefly British : excellent.
What is a bottom slang?
Slang. the submissive partner in a sexual relationship or encounter, especially the person who is penetrated in anal intercourse (opposed to top). Usually bottoms .
What is the C word in Australia?
In Australia, “cunt” (pronounced “cunt”, as in “bunt”) has many connotations – most of which are actually positive. For example: If a friend of mine were to be exceptional at motorsports or a nice person in genera,l he would henceforth be referred to as a “sick-cunt”.
Is Bloody a swear word in Australia?
Also in Australia, the word bloody is frequently used as a verbal hyphen, or infix, correctly called tmesis as in “fanbloodytastic”. In the 1940s an Australian divorce court judge held that “the word bloody is so common in modern parlance that it is not regarded as swearing“.
How do I offend someone in Australia?
14 Ways to Annoy an Australian
- Talk About Sports.
- Confuse Them with New Zealanders.
- Demonstrate a Terrible Australian Accent.
- Criticise Their BBQ.
- Pom, Pommy, Pommie.
- Compliment Men on their Macho-ness.
- Take Them Down Memory Lane.
- Criticise Crocodile Dundee.
Where does the saying Close but no cigar?
It comes from traveling fairs and carnivals from the 1800s. The prizes back then were not giant-sized stuffed teddy bears, they were usually cigars or bottles of whiskey. If you missed the prize at a carnival game, the carnie folk would shout, “Close! But no cigar!”
Where does Bob your uncle originate?
In 1887, British Prime Minister Robert Gascoyne-Cecil appointed his nephew Arthur James Balfour as Minister for Ireland. The phrase ‘Bob’s your uncle’ was coined when Arthur referred to the Prime Minister as ‘Uncle Bob’. Apparently, it’s very simple to become a minister when Bob’s your uncle!
What does close but no cigar mean?
—used to say that a guess was almost correct or that an effort was almost sufficient Quick: What country jails the most journalists? If you guessed China, you were close, but no cigar.—