Chrysti the Wordsmith > Radio Scripts

People positioned at the apex of society, industry or politics are the upper crust to those of us standing a few rungs below. Though etymologists are unsure of the exact origin of this expression, most concur that the crust in this phrase belongs to a loaf of bread.

The expression may come from earlier centuries in England, where commoners tore chunks of bread from a communal loaf. When dignitaries or nobles were at the dining table, the top of the loaf was carefully sliced off and presented to those of higher rank in a gesture of deference and respect.

Though this phrase may be of considerable antiquity, it was not captured in print in this country until 1835. Thomas Haliburton, in his Sam Slick tales, appears to be the first American writer to use upper crust as a synonym for high society. James Fenimore Cooper used the expression in his 1850 Ways of the Hour. In America, the upper crust could have alluded to the top of a pie, that portion which advertises the quality of the food before it is bought or tasted.

Upper crust is typical of many references to high economic or social rank. Upper class, upper circle, upper rank, high-toned, highfalutin, and high society all imply "lofty" status.

Radio Script > Upper Crust