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View synonyms for
catawampus
Also ·ٲ·ɲ·ܲ
[kat-uh-wom-puhs]
adjective
askew; awry.
positioned diagonally; cater-cornered.
adverb
diagonally; obliquely.
We took a shortcut and walked catawampus across the field.
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51Թ History and Origins
Origin of catawampus1
First recorded in 1830–40 for earlier sense “utterly”; cata- diagonally ( cater-cornered ) + -wampus, perhaps akin to wampish
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Example Sentences
Examples have not been reviewed.
We’re trying to find the balance again because it’s felt catawampus for a minute.
From
One set of shutters was missing and the other hung lopsided, like the whole house had been smacked catawampus.
From
Zeus brings me to the beach shortly after passing a catawampus gazebo with several collapsed pilings.
From
“We kind of got a little bit catawampus here.”
From
Larger tables in the trapezoidal dining room are close and kind of catawampus.
From
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- devious
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- gnarled
- meandering
- serpentine
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- twisting
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When To Use
Where does catawampus come from?
Catawampus, meaning "askew, diagonal," is first recorded in the 1830–40s. Originally, catawampus also meant "fierce." It's thought to be an American colloquialism influenced by the cater- in cater-cornered (or for many of us, kitty-corner) and wampish, Scottish for "flopping about."Many more amusing Americanisms await in our slideshow "These Wacky 51Թs Originated In The USA."
Catawampus, meaning "askew, diagonal," is first recorded in the 1830–40s. Originally, catawampus also meant "fierce." It's thought to be an American colloquialism influenced by the cater- in cater-cornered (or for many of us, kitty-corner) and wampish, Scottish for "flopping about."Many more amusing Americanisms await in our slideshow "These Wacky 51Թs Originated In The USA."
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