KITTYCORNERED Meaning and
Definition
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Kittycornered, often also spelled as 'catty-cornered', is an adjective commonly used in American English to describe an object or position that is diagonally situated across from another object or position. When two objects are said to be kittycornered, they are positioned at opposite corners of a shape, forming a diagonal line or angle in relation to each other. This term is frequently used to indicate a positioning that is neither parallel nor perpendicular, but rather inclined at an angle of about 45 degrees.
The origin of the term 'kittycornered' is uncertain, and various theories exist regarding its etymology. One popular notion is that it is derived from the idea of a cat moving diagonally or slanting across a room, similar to the positioning of the objects being described. The term is predominantly used in informal contexts and colloquial speech, and is often employed when discussing the placement of buildings, streets, or intersections relative to each other.
In addition to its literal usage, 'kittycornered' can also be employed figuratively to describe something that is off-center, unconventional, or not conforming to expected norms. It can connote a sense of irregularity, uniqueness, or divergence from the usual or expected pattern. When used figuratively, 'kittycornered' implies a departure from conventional standards, often with a hint of charm or interest.
Common Misspellings for KITTYCORNERED
- kitty-cornered
- kitti-cornered
- jittycornered
- mittycornered
- littycornered
- oittycornered
- iittycornered
- kuttycornered
- kjttycornered
- kkttycornered
- kottycornered
- k9ttycornered
- k8ttycornered
- kirtycornered
- kiftycornered
- kigtycornered
- kiytycornered
- ki6tycornered
- ki5tycornered
- kitrycornered
Etymology of KITTYCORNERED
The word "kittycornered" is believed to have originated from the phrase "catercorner" or "catty-corner", which first appeared in the late 19th century. The exact etymology of "catercorner" is uncertain, but it is thought to be derived from the combination of the words "across" or "on a diagonal" (as in "cater", meaning obliquely or diagonally) and "corner". Over time, "catercorner" evolved into "kittycornered", likely due to the influence of "kitty" as a playful variation of "cat". The term is primarily used in American English and refers to something situated diagonally opposite or at an angle from something else.
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