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A Dictionary of Slang and its Analogues.

(vulgar)--["[)a]" as in bat].--A common vulgarism in speaking for (1) "have," (2) "I," (3) "he," (4) "at," (5) "on," etc. It occurs in these connections for more than 300 years; all were used by Shakspeare, as well as by Beaumont and Fletcher and other writers of the Elizabethan period.

A1 or A1 Copper-bottomed, adj. phr. (popular).--Applied to men or things, A1 is synonymous with a high degree of praise. 'He must be a first-rater,' said Sam. 'A1,' replied Mr. Roker. [1837, Pickwick Papers.]

The derivation of this colloquialism from the symbols used in registering ships at Lloyd's is pretty well known. Letters--A.A. (in black and red), Æ (in black), E, etc.--are employed to denote various degrees of excellence in the hulls of vessels, figures being added to show the quality of the equipments, such as masts and rigging in sailing vessels, or boilers and engines in steamers. When hull and fittings alike are of the best, a vessel is classed A1. Hence, in mercantile circles, the expression has become popularly current, in a figurative sense, to signify the highest commercial credit; and, by a process of expansion, excellence of quality in general, i.e., first-class; first-rate. The form varies, being rendered by first-class letter a; A1 copper-bottomed; and, in the U.S.A., A1 and no mistake. The earliest reference given in the New English Dictionary for the colloquially figurative usage bears date 1836, but it was employed at least two years previously in a quarter which seems definitely to fix, not only the period of its adoption, but the process of transition as well. A1 was a perfectly natural colloquialism in the hands of Captain Marryat, at once an experienced seaman and a practised writer.