Take it from the top

Ratna Raman       

COMPRISING of three letters, of German and Dutch origins,and in circulation in the English language, ‘top’ is one of the few words that is ‘generic’ (characteristic of group, class) in usage. ‘Top’ refers to the upper section of almost everything; animal, vegetable, fabric, soil, ideas, elevations, social structures and ranks.

For instance: On her first day at work, Sunaina wore a fitted top (blouse\shirt) over trousers. Surveying her from ‘top to toe’, her mother assured her that she looked ‘tip-top’ (well turned out). Feeling ‘on top of things’(confident), she picked up her bag and keys sitting on the ‘console top’ and left for work. She needed to ‘top up’ the petrol in her car.  As she drove out, a sedan whizzed past her at ‘top speed’, causing her to brake sharply. Being ‘at the top of one’s class’ or ‘at the top of one’s career’ didn’t really matter on the roads. You could soon find yourself ‘at the bottom of everything’ (in a bad place) if you didn’t watch out for rash drivers.

Once she reached office, she would place an order for a ‘chocolate topped cake’and pizza to take back home, so that everyone could sit down to Saturday high tea by 4 pm, ‘tops’ (maximum)!

Tops, spherical or shaped like a plate, made of wood with iron tips  are probably the oldest toys to be found anywhere in the world. They continue to be made and children are fascinated by spinning tops. The expression, ‘spinning like a top’ indicates an extremely busy person. 

‘The big top’ indicates a large tent put up by travelling circuses, while ‘top ten’ can be a list of songs, books or favourite travel destinations, etc.‘Being at the top’isan achievement. ‘Climbing to the top’ of the tallest mountain remains ‘fraught’ (causing stress) because heights can create giddiness. The subsequent   loss of balance can lead to ‘being over the top’ (extreme, uncontrolled), resulting in a ‘toppling down’ (nose-diving) in the manner of share prices in the current stock market.

The ‘trickle-down theory’, whereby privileges available at the top of the social order gradually percolate to the bottom rung  now stands disproved. Perhaps,it is time to re-examine whether ‘top-heavy organisations’ (too many people at higher levels of command)   should continue to make ‘top-down  decisions’ (originating from the upper levels)  impacting the grass roots. 

Acronyms make for interesting coinage, and suggest dexterity (skill) with words. Elections have thrown up the use of acronyms with limited shelf lives that can be repackaged.The word top lends itself easily to acronyms. ‘Top priority’ (first preference) for agricultural practices is essential, but expanding ‘TOP’ into an acronym for ‘tomatoes, onions, potatoes’ highlights a Totally Oblique Perspective that deflects attention from  water scarcity  and the need  to cultivate staple crops. 

Perhaps public servants should refrain from speaking on any subject ‘off the top of one’s head’ (with little knowledge). It reflects poorly upon policy decisions ‘made at the top’, suggesting that players are ‘nowhere near the top of their game’.