dirt n
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6 in phrr on top of dirt, atop ~, top ~, (on) top side ~: On earth, in existence—used chiefly to intensify a superlative or exclusive expression. Sth, S Midl
1851 Hooper Widow Rugby’s Husband 45 AL, It’s no use argyfyin’ the matter—I am the ugliest man, now on top of dirt. 1853 Edgefield Advt. (SC) 19 Oct [2]/1, We cherish the idea that our town . . is one of the greatest places “on top o’ dirt.” 1875 Republican Banner (Nashville TN) 19 Feb [4]/2 TX, It had been pretty generally boasted about that ’nary school teacher top side o’ dirt’ could beat anything into Zeb’s head. 1888 Semi-Weekly Interior Jrl. (Stanford KY) 9 Mar [2]/4, He is still . . a top o’ dirt and getting around lively. 1891 Buchanan Record (MI) 16 July 1/4 MO, Nobody on top o’ dirt can live with his wife ’nless she’s fast sick abed. 1903 S. Cultivator Feb 10/1 MS, We do not believe it can be equalled for productiveness . . by any variety on top side of dirt. 1917 WV Med. Jrl. 12.220, Still, thank God, top o’ dirt. . . I am alive and fairly well for a boy of that age. 1921 Haswell Daughter Ozarks 176 (as of 1880s), This time the big sheriff rode at her side, on his way to carry out his oath to “git” the other two who had attacked Haberton, “efsobe they was a’top of dirt!” 1933 Adams Co. Independent (Littlestown PA) 7 Sept 3/2 nwMO, Take his word for it. The only guy on top o’ dirt that is master of this important gland!
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