cattywampus
In Appalachian and Southern slang, "cattywampus" means crooked, askew, or out of order. It can also mean things turned upside down or gone all wrong.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
If a shelf ain't right, it might be cattywampus - crooked, tilted, just plain ol' outta line. Still in use. Pronunciation
[CAT-ee-wahm-pus]
Meaning & Usage
- Crooked, askew, disordered (adjective)
Mae:
That picture frame’s hangin’ cattywampus.
That picture frame’s hangin’ cattywampus.
Earl:
Hold still, I’ll straighten it.
Hold still, I’ll straighten it.- Out of order, gone wrong (adjective)
Mae:
Our whole plan went cattywampus when the power went out.
Our whole plan went cattywampus when the power went out.
Earl:
Ain’t that the truth.
Ain’t that the truth.other spellings: catawampus, caddywampus, cattywumpus, askew, crooked, and outta whack
★ "Cattywampus" is usually lighthearted. It’s not as sharp as "sigogglin’" - more fun and playful, often said with a smile. ★
Origin
The word likely comes from "cater" (meaning diagonally) combined with a fanciful ending like "wampus" (possibly from "catamount," or wildcat). First recorded in the 1800s in American South and Appalachia.
Notes
Still common across the South, Appalachia, and Midwest. Unlike "sigogglin," most Americans recognize it, even outside the mountains.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it playful: "cat-ee-wahm-pus." Stress the first syllable, let the rest tumble out quick.