top kick: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Slang
Quick answer
What does “top kick” mean?
A military slang term for the highest-ranking non-commissioned officer in a unit, typically a sergeant major or equivalent.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A military slang term for the highest-ranking non-commissioned officer in a unit, typically a sergeant major or equivalent.
Informally, it can refer to the person in charge or the leader of any group, especially in hierarchical organizations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is strongly associated with British and Commonwealth military slang. In American military slang, 'top' or 'top sergeant' is more common for a first sergeant, but 'top kick' is understood, albeit less frequently used.
Connotations
In British usage, it carries connotations of respect, experience, and authority within the unit's enlisted ranks. In American usage, it may sound slightly archaic or borrowed from British military culture.
Frequency
Much more frequent in UK/Commonwealth military contexts than in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “top kick” in a Sentence
The [unit] top kickTop kick of the [unit]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in standard business contexts. Might be used metaphorically in very informal settings to refer to a strict manager.
Academic
Not used. Relevant only in historical or sociological studies of military language.
Everyday
Extremely rare in everyday civilian conversation outside of veterans.
Technical
Specific to military jargon and slang lexicons.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “top kick”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “top kick”
- Using it to refer to any boss in a civilian job sounds unnatural.
- Using it in formal writing.
- Assuming it is a common term in American English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is low-frequency military slang, primarily used in British and Commonwealth forces.
It would sound very unusual and possibly humorous or sarcastic. It is not standard business vocabulary.
It is military slang, with 'top' referring to the highest-ranking enlisted soldier and 'kick' possibly deriving from the idea of being the one who 'kicks' (motivates, disciplines) the unit into shape.
The term is not gender-specific in modern usage. A female sergeant major could be referred to as the 'top kick'.
A military slang term for the highest-ranking non-commissioned officer in a unit, typically a sergeant major or equivalent.
Top kick is usually informal, slang in register.
Top kick: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtɒp ˈkɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtɑːp ˈkɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Run it by the top kick first.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a football (soccer) team where the TOP player gets to KICK off the game. The 'top kick' is the one who starts things off for the team, i.e., the leader.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS A PHYSICAL IMPACT (The 'kick' implies the force or drive of command).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'top kick' most appropriately used?