The word "more kittycornered" can be spelled phonetically as /mɔːr ˈkɪtiˌkɔːnəd/. The origin of the word is unclear, but it is commonly used in American English to describe something that is positioned diagonally or obliquely from another object. The word can also be spelled as "catercorner," "catty-cornered," "kitty-corner," or "cater-cornered." The spelling variations may depend on regional dialects and vernacular, but they all refer to the same concept of diagonal positioning.
"More kittycornered" is an idiomatic expression used to describe something that is situated or positioned in a diagonal or slanted manner relative to something else. The term is derived from the word "cater-cornered," which means to be located diagonally or obliquely across from a reference point. The phrase "more kittycornered" is used to emphasize a greater degree of diagonal angling or slanting.
When applied to physical objects or structures, "more kittycornered" suggests that an item is oriented diagonally or obliquely in relation to its surroundings, rather than being perfectly aligned or parallel. For example, if two buildings are positioned in such a way that their corners are closely aligned, one could describe them as "kittycornered"; if they are placed at a greater angled distance from each other, one might use the term "more kittycornered" to indicate a more pronounced diagonal orientation.
The phrase can also be used metaphorically to describe situations or relationships that are askew, irregular, or not in alignment with the norm. In this sense, "more kittycornered" implies a heightened level of deviation or divergence from the expected or conventional. It can convey a sense of disarray, unpredictability, or eccentricity in various contexts such as actions, behaviors, or even abstract concepts.
Overall, "more kittycornered" is an idiomatic expression that highlights a greater degree of diagonal positioning or irregularity, both in the physical and metaphorical sense.
The term "kittycornered" or "catercornered" is derived from the expressions "catty-corner" or "kata-". The exact origin of this phrase is uncertain, but there are a few theories.
One theory suggests that "catty-corner" originated from the word "cater-cornered". "Cater" was an old English word meaning diagonal or oblique. "Catercorner" was used to describe things that were positioned diagonally or across from each other. Over time, "catercorner" transformed into "catty-corner" or "kittycornered".
Another theory suggests that it originated from the French word "quatrecorne" meaning four-cornered. It possibly entered the English language as "cater-cornered" and then evolved into "catty-corner" or "kittycornered".