topspin

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)A rotational motion, especially that given to a ball, in which the upper surface spins in the direction of motion.

   “The tennis star was famed for her topspin.”

2. (uncountable)An edgy, quirky or otherwise engaging quality that holds the interest of the audience.

   “Well remembered as a visual comedienne, she also had the verbal knack of putting all sorts of topspin on a line.”

   “Flashdance had a quality known as top spin, in which the casting, the concept and the look and sound of the movie all come together.”

verb

1. (transitive)To spin (a ball) with this motion.

   “He could keep winning through attrition, with a relentless barrage of topspinning ground strokes and a tireless defense of his own side, where would-be winners go to die.”