How Do You Spell CATTY CORNERED?

Pronunciation: [kˈati kˈɔːnəd] (IPA)

"Catty cornered" is a frequently misspelled phrase that means "positioned diagonally from." The correct spelling is actually "catty-cornered." It comes from the phrase "cats' corners," which refers to the small, enclosed spaces that cats often go to hide in. The pronunciation of "catty-cornered" is /kæti kɔrnərd/ with the stress on the second syllable. The "catty" part is pronounced with a short "a" sound, like "cat," and the "cornered" part is pronounced with a long "o" sound, like "born."

CATTY CORNERED Meaning and Definition

1. Catty cornered, also spelled as "cater-cornered" or "kitty-cornered," is an idiomatic term used to describe a diagonal or diagonal positioning of one object or location in relation to another. The term is primarily employed in North American English.

   This phrase is derived from the word "cat," suggesting an organic, feline-like sway or curve. When something is catty cornered, it means that it is positioned diagonally or obliquely to another object or location, typically in a way that creates an angular or diagonal alignment. It implies a placement that is not precisely parallel or perpendicular.

   For instance, if two intersecting streets form an angle or intersection that is not at a right angle, they can be described as catty cornered to each other. Similarly, if a piece of furniture is arranged on a diagonal axis in comparison to another piece, it can be considered catty cornered.

   The term is often used to indicate a distinction or divergence from the straight, linear arrangement of objects or directions, introducing an element of angularity or asymmetry. It is a versatile expression that can be applied to various contexts where diagonal positioning or alignment is necessary to describe accurately.

Common Misspellings for CATTY CORNERED

• catty-cornerd
• catty-cornered
• catty-cornared
• cattycornerrd
• cattycoarnered
• cattycorenered
• cattycorneread
• Cattycornored

Etymology of CATTY CORNERED

The term "catty cornered" is an American English expression used to describe something positioned diagonally across from another object. The etymology of the phrase is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated from several possible sources:

1. "Cater-cornered": This phrase, meaning diagonal or oblique, was common in British English during the 19th century. It is derived from the Middle French word "quatre" (meaning four) and the Old French word "de corner" (meaning at the corner). Over time, "cater" evolved into "catty".

2. "Catty-corner": Another possible origin is the phrase "catty-corner", which is attributed to Scottish immigrants in America. In Scottish dialects, "catty" meant oblique or askew, while "corner" referred to a corner or angle.