CATTYCORNERED Meaning and
Definition
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Cattycornered is an adjective that describes an object or arrangement that is positioned diagonally or obliquely relative to something else. It is often used to indicate a diagonal orientation or placement of one object in relation to another, forming a 45-degree angle or close to it.
The term is derived from American English and is considered a colloquial or informal expression. It is commonly used to describe the position of buildings, street intersections, or objects such as furniture within a room. For example, if a house on a street is positioned diagonally across from another house, it could be referred to as being cattycornered. Similarly, when two streets meet at an angle instead of forming a perfect intersection, it can be described as a cattycornered intersection.
The term can also be used metaphorically to describe an unconventional or indirect approach to solving a problem or addressing a situation. In this sense, cattycornered suggests a departure from the usual or expected path, often implying a sense of playfulness or creative thinking.
While cattycornered is mainly used in the United States, it may have regional variations in spelling and pronunciation, such as "kitty-cornered" or "catercornered". Regardless of the spelling, the term generally retains the same meaning across different English-speaking regions.
Common Misspellings for CATTYCORNERED
- xattycornered
- vattycornered
- fattycornered
- dattycornered
- czttycornered
- csttycornered
- cwttycornered
- cqttycornered
- cartycornered
- caftycornered
- cagtycornered
- caytycornered
- ca6tycornered
- ca5tycornered
- catrycornered
- catfycornered
- catgycornered
- catyycornered
- cat6ycornered
Etymology of CATTYCORNERED
The word "cattycornered" (also spelled "catercornered" or "kitty-cornered") originates from the phrase "cater-corner", which is a combination of "cater" or "catre" (meaning diagonal) and "corner".
The term first appeared in the English language around the mid-19th century, primarily in American English. It was used to describe something that was positioned or placed diagonally or askew, especially in relation to a corner or right angle.
The association with "cater" or "catre" is believed to have originated from an Old English word "catt", which referred to a cat-like movement or posturing. The concept of diagonal movement or a slanted position connected to the idea of a cat, which is known for its agility and its ability to navigate obstacles with ease.
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