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top shelf

Latin translation: ab summo mutulo

GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
English term or phrase:top shelf
Latin translation:ab summo mutulo
Entered by: Michael Bailey

22:21 Dec 30, 2007
English to Latin translations [Non-PRO]
Art/Literary - Slang / for a mock coat of arms
English term or phrase: top shelf
A friend called me up about creating a coat of arms for his band - to use on promotional stuff. He wants to have a translation of "top shelf" or similar in Latin - his group being called Top Shelf Jazz - otherwise if there is no way of making something which has any sense then a translation of "from the top/highest shelf". Any suggestions?

I was thinking of something involving either summus or altissimus (with the relevant case ending)
Michael Bailey
Austria
Local time: 12:10
summi generis
Explanation:
Or perhaps 'altissimi generis' (genitives of quality).

I know that it sounds rather bland, but I can't find any metaphorical expression corresponding to the English.

If, however, you prefer 'ab mutulo summo', I would place 'summo' first. It never follows its substantive in good prose.
Selected response from:

Joseph Brazauskas
United States
Local time: 06:10
Grading comment
Thanks for the suggestions - I went for ab summo mutulo - I don't think the genitive of quality translations work that work in the context.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4summi generis
Joseph Brazauskas


Discussion entries: 1





  

Answers


18 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
summi generis


Explanation:
Or perhaps 'altissimi generis' (genitives of quality).

I know that it sounds rather bland, but I can't find any metaphorical expression corresponding to the English.

If, however, you prefer 'ab mutulo summo', I would place 'summo' first. It never follows its substantive in good prose.

Joseph Brazauskas
United States
Local time: 06:10
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish, Native in SpanishSpanish
PRO pts in category: 4
Grading comment
Thanks for the suggestions - I went for ab summo mutulo - I don't think the genitive of quality translations work that work in the context.
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