"That's a great deal to make one word mean," Alice said in a thoughtful tone. "When I make a word do a lot of work like that," said Humpty Dumpty, "I always pay it extra."

Sunday 5 July 2009

Over the top

 
Over the top (often shortened to OTT) is a phrase used to mean beyond the bounds of good taste or simply, excessive. It is derived from the First World War where it meant climbing out of the trenches and attacking the enemy (often with fatal consequences). Quite how it came to have its present meaning I am unsure.

"Some of the hats you see at Ascot are a bit OTT".
 

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