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.
Cattywampus
Hillbilly Dude Says...
If a shelf ain't right, it might be cattywampus - crooked, tilted, just plain ol' outta line. Still in use. 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.variations: catawampus, caddywampus, cattywumpus, askew, crooked, outta whack
★ "Cattywampus" is usually lighthearted. It’s not as sharp as "sigogglin’" - more fun and playful, often said with a smile. ★
Origin and Etymology
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.
Usage 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.
Kin Topics
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 16). Cattywampus. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/cattywampus
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Cattywampus." HillbillySlang.com, 16 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/cattywampus.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Cattywampus." HillbillySlang.com. October 16, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/definitions/cattywampus.
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Created by a true, actual, proper, real-life hillbilly, HillbillySlang is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...