Forbidden
An outgrowth of the idea of a fetish is the closely related practice of
taboo. Whereas the gods or supernatural powers merely inhabit an object
and lend it to magic, they will punish the imprudent native who violates
their prohibitions of an act of use of an object or word which have 
become taboo. If a taboo has been violated, it becomes imperative for
the offender to be punished. In many cases, the taint on the community
may be removed after priests have performed a special ceremony. Often, the
violator will be punished or die merely through their own fears of
the terrible thing he has done.

the first water--Magic Johnson is obviously a basketball player of the 
first water who would be of enormous value to any team.
(of the best quality, the greatest.)