top banana

English

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): (US) /ˌtɑp bəˈnænə/[1]
  • IPA(key): (UK) /ˌtɒp bəˈnɑːnə/[2]
  • Audio (General Australian):(file)

Noun

top banana (plural top bananas)

  1. (idiomatic) The boss, the leader.
    Synonyms: big cheese; see also Thesaurus:important person
    Only the top banana can make a decision of that magnitude.
  2. (idiomatic, dated) The principal comedian in a vaudeville or burlesque show.
    Antonym: second banana
    He was hilarious, and remained the top banana on the tour for years.

References

  1. ^ Oxford English Dictionary‎[1], (Can we date this quote?), →DOI
  2. ^ Oxford English Dictionary‎[2], (Can we date this quote?), →DOI
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