The word "most crabwise" refers to a movement or direction resembling that of a crab's sideways walk. The correct spelling is /moʊst ˈkræbwaɪz/. The first syllable "mo" is pronounced as in the word "most", the second syllable "st" is pronounced as in the word "fast" and the final word "crabwise" is pronounced with the emphasis on the second syllable, with the "a" sound being pronounced as in the word "back" and the "i" sound as in the word "wise".
The term "most crabwise" refers to the highest degree or extent of a movement or manner that resembles or imitates the sideways and sideways-backward crawling motion of a crab. It is derived from the word "crabwise," which is an adverb used to describe the movement or manner in which a person or object moves or behaves sideways or in a sideways-backward manner akin to a crab.
When we say "most crabwise," we are emphasizing the highest level or utmost extent of this particular way of moving or behaving. It implies a strong inclination or preference towards adopting a sideways or sideways-backward motion, like a crab. This phrase is most commonly used figuratively to describe someone's attitude, behavior, or manner of achieving a goal, suggesting an indirect, circuitous, or evasive approach.
The term can also be applied to depict a style of writing or speaking that tends to digress, meander, or evade the main point, moving laterally or obliquely rather than following a linear or direct path. In this sense, "most crabwise" emphasizes the highest degree of this tangential or evasive manner of communicating or expressing ideas.
In summary, "most crabwise" describes the pinnacle or utmost extent of a sideways or sideways-backward motion or manner, either literally imitating a crab's movement or figuratively representing an evasive or indirect approach in attitudes, behavior, communication, or achievement of goals.
The phrase "most crabwise" is not a common or widely used expression, so it does not have a specific etymology. However, we can analyze the individual words to understand their origins.
"Most" is an adverb that comes from the Old English word "mǣst", which means "most" or "greatest". It has Germanic roots, related to the German word "meist" and the Dutch word "meest".
"Crabwise" is an adjective that describes a sideways or oblique movement, as in the movement of a crab. It comes from the noun "crab", which refers to a crustacean with a broad shell, and the suffix "-wise", which means "in the manner of" or "in the direction of".