Discussions about eggcorns and related topics
You are not logged in.
Registrations are currently closed because of a technical problem. Please send email to
The forum administrator reserves the right to request users to plausibly demonstrate that they are real people with an interest in the topic of eggcorns. Otherwise they may be removed with no further justification. Likewise, accounts that have not been used for posting may be removed.
Thanks for your understanding.
Chris -- 2018-04-11
I noticed that one of the quoted hits in an earlier post contained an unusual turn of phrase that could easily be overlooked. The eggcorn identified there was “curious egg”, but there’s something else odd going on:
When the Wonder Stuff were added to the bill as a late replacement for the Michael McGoldrick Band, I thought this was going to be a bit of a curious egg of a performance. I’ll hold my hand up and admit I was wrong, this was top draw folk inspired pop/rock.
Concert review
I’m sure that the original idiomatic expression is top drawer. I remember the first time I heard it, from an academic achievement pep talk/Sunday School lesson. The Phrase Finder says it was first used to describe persons of high social standing, presumably by those of similar standing. “Top draw” is of course legitimate in its own right—a top-draw movie is a popular one, one that attracts a large crowd. I get 125 hits for “is just top drawer” against 67 for “is just top draw”. Perhaps most interesting when it’s used in situations where audience appeal is at issue. Another sense would be “first pick”, I guess.
His touch, calmness and composure is just top draw. That 2nd goal * applause *
Soccer transports
Agree with what Beetle Juice said, the cast is just top draw!
Movie review
the atmosphere created by the sound is just unbelievable, I keep going on, but the playing is just top draw.
Rock review
Offline
A good example of the way changes in technology and social habits give new meaning to old idioms.
Hatching new language, one eggcorn at a time.
Offline
A factor which complicates the picture a bit is the fact that people from some regions say “draw” for “drawer”. At least, that’s what it sounds like to me in a New Yawk accent. So for such people, “draw” for “drawer” wouldn’t be an eggcorn, just a regional pronunciation (or a phonetic spelling of one).
Offline