“Top of the Morning to You” (Meaning, Origin and Use)

If you walk through the streets in an English-speaking country, you’ll often hear people say, “Good Morning!” But, in the UK, specifically in Ireland, there’s an older and more posh way to say this.

One of the most quintessential and easily recognizable Irish phrases is “Top of the Morning to You.” While it does equate to morning well-wishing, it’s much more sincere. This is because it goes far beyond that, the person is blessing you with morningtide cheer, the crème de la crème.

Origins

No one really knows how the phrase started in Ireland. However, we do know the phrase has been in use since 1815, as mentioned in the writings of Walter Scott. That said, there are theories suggesting it stems from the ancient Celts and their affinity for sun worship.

It had widespread use throughout the whole of the United Kingdom throughout the 19th century into the earliest part of the 20th century. The phrase fell out of fashion with a resurgence in the 1990’s.

Modern Use

Today, it’s most often heard on the morning of St. Patrick’s Day every March 17th. This is a holy festival that honors the accomplishments of this bishop and missionary. St. Patrick struck evil from Ireland which resulted in a time of worship, love and peace.

While the Irish don’t use it anymore, they find it a bit cringe-worthy when unsuspecting visitors and tourists use the phrase in an inappropriate way. Therefore, you should never say it out of context or at random. So, don’t say it during the afternoon or evening hours.

Responding

Of course, there is an etiquette of returning the sentiment when someone gives you such a greeting. The most proper way is, “Ane the rest of the day to you.” But, you could also say, “Top of the morning to you.”

This means you’re returning the sentiment but shifting it to an excellent rest of the day for the other person. It’s the English equivalent of saying, “Have a good day.” But it has a genuine care for the wellbeing of the other person.

Conclusion

“Top of the morning to you” is an old Irish saying that still has some usage in the modern world. It wishes a passerby a great and wonderful morning with conviction and sincerity. It’s an exquisite and beautiful way to say “Good Morning!”