How to Use the Phrase "Top of the Morning"

"Top of the morning" is a friendly greeting used to wish someone a good morning or to express good wishes for the start of the day.

☀️ Example: He greeted his neighbor with a cheerful "Top of the morning!" as they passed each other on the street.

In this sentence, "top of the morning" is used as a friendly salutation to wish the neighbor a good start to their day.

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How to Use the Phrase "Top of the Morning"

When to use "top of the morning"

"Top of the morning" is a colloquial greeting commonly used to express good wishes for the start of the day. It's a friendly and informal way to say "good morning" and is often accompanied by a smile or cheerful demeanor. The phrase originated in Ireland but has since become more widely used in English-speaking countries. While it's suitable for informal settings among friends, family, or colleagues, it may not be as appropriate in formal or professional environments.

When using "top of the morning," it's important to maintain a genuine and friendly tone to convey sincerity in the greeting. It's often best suited for casual interactions or social situations where a more relaxed atmosphere is present. Overall, "top of the morning" adds a touch of warmth and positivity to morning greetings, making it a pleasant way to start the day.

Example contexts:

Greeting friends or family members in the morning
Welcoming colleagues or acquaintances at the beginning of the workday
Offering a friendly salutation to neighbors or passersby while out for a morning walk

The use of "top of the morning" over time

As you can see from the graph below, the phrase "top of the morning" saw fluctuations in use throughout time. The phrase began to increase in popularity in the 1820s, and it is currently seeing an upwards trend.

Example sentences

"Top of the morning, everyone! Let's make today a great one!"
He always starts his day with a smile and a hearty "Top of the morning!"
As she sipped her coffee, she greeted her colleagues with a cheerful "Top of the morning!"
The old man waved to his neighbors, calling out "Top of the morning!"
She began her morning jog with a friendly "Top of the morning!" to the other runners in the park."
The shopkeeper greeted each customer with a warm "Top of the morning!" as they entered the store."
Even on rainy days, he would brighten everyone's morning with a cheery "Top of the morning!"
He received a friendly "Top of the morning!" from the bus driver as he boarded the bus.
Before starting their meeting, the team leader wished everyone a "Top of the morning!" to set a positive tone.
She opened the window to the sound of birds chirping and greeted the sunny day with a joyful "Top of the morning!"

Examples from the web

"We've never once heard an Irishman say "Top of the morning"." - The Guardian

Other ways to say "top of the morning"

You can use the following phrases to express similar things:

"Good morning!"
"Bright and early!"
"Good day!"
"Rise and shine!"
"Hello, morning!"

FAQs

Why do we say "top of the morning"?

The phrase "top of the morning" is a traditional Irish greeting that apparently has its origins in the rural communities of Ireland, though it is unclear whether this is true. It's believed to have emerged as a cheerful expression of good wishes for the beginning of the day, typically spoken in the early morning hours. The word "top" in this context is thought to refer to the highest or best part of the morning, akin to wishing someone the best part of the day.

Summary

In summary, "top of the morning" is a friendly greeting used to wish someone a good morning or to express good wishes for the start of the day. It's commonly used in spoken language among friends, family, or acquaintances and carries a casual and informal tone. When using this phrase, it's essential to maintain a friendly demeanor and consider the appropriateness based on social context and cultural norms.

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