How Do You Spell KITTYCORNER?

Pronunciation: [kˈɪtɪkˌɔːnə] (IPA)

Kittycorner is a frequently misspelled word that refers to something that is diagonally opposite. The correct spelling is often mistaken for ‘kitty corner’ or ‘catty corner’. The IPA phonetic transcription for kittycorner is /ˈkɪtiˌkɔr nər/, which breaks down into the syllables ‘kiti-kor-ner’. The word is a compound of ‘kitty’ and ‘corner’, and is believed to have originated from a corruption of ‘cater-corner’ or ‘quartered corner’ in English dialects. Despite this, the spelling of ‘kittycorner’ has gained popularity in modern usage.

KITTYCORNER Meaning and Definition

1. Kittycorner, also known as catty-corner or catercorner, is a term that originated in American English, primarily used in informal language and dialects. It refers to a position or direction that is situated diagonally opposite to another.

   The term is commonly used to describe the diagonal arrangement of two objects, buildings, or locations in relation to each other. For example, if two houses are situated opposite each other on a street but on the diagonally opposite corners, they can be described as being kittycorner to one another. Similarly, if someone points to an object that is placed diagonally across the room from them, they may say that it is kittycorner from their position.

   The origin of the term is uncertain. It is believed to be derived from the notion of a cat's behavior and movements. Cats are known for their diagonal and crisscrossing paths, as they often move in a meandering or oblique manner. This similarity in directional movement is thought to have led to the use of the term "kittycorner" to describe diagonal orientations.

   In conclusion, kittycorner is a colloquial term used to describe a diagonal relationship or position of two objects or locations. Its usage is predominantly found in American English, and it derives from the observation of cats' diagonal movements.

Common Misspellings for KITTYCORNER

• jittycorner
• mittycorner
• littycorner
• oittycorner
• iittycorner
• kuttycorner
• kjttycorner
• kkttycorner
• kottycorner
• k9ttycorner
• k8ttycorner
• kirtycorner
• kiftycorner
• kigtycorner
• kiytycorner
• ki6tycorner
• ki5tycorner
• kitrycorner
• kitfycorner

Etymology of KITTYCORNER

The term "kittycorner" (also spelled "catty-corner" or "catercorner") is derived from the phrase "cater-cornered" or "catacornered". The word "cater" or "cat" originates from the Middle French word "quatre", meaning "four". The term was used to describe the position of an object or location that is diagonally opposite or oblique to another.

Over time, "cater-cornered" was anglicized to "kittycorner" or "catty-corner". The term "kitty" might have been a phonetic corruption of "cater" or "cat", or possibly an alteration influenced by the word "kitten" or "cat", which can move playfully and unpredictably.

Idioms with the word KITTYCORNER

• kittycorner "Kittycorner" is an idiom used to describe something that is situated diagonally across from something else. It is typically used to refer to something that is located at an angle across from a particular location or object.