CATTYCORNER Meaning and
Definition
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Cattycorner, also commonly spelled "kitty-corner," is an adverb or adjective used to describe the positioning or placement of two objects or places diagonally opposite from each other. The term derives from the words "cat" and "corner," implying a similarity to the elusive and diagonal movements of a feline creature.
When used to describe the position of two objects, it refers to their placement at opposite corners or sides of a space, forming a diagonal line. For instance, if two buildings are situated at the opposite corners of an intersection, they would be considered cattycorner to each other. Similarly, if a picture frame is hung diagonally across a wall, it is placed cattycorner to the wall's edges.
As an adverb, "cattycorner" is used to describe the direction or manner of movement that is diagonal to a starting point. For example, "She walked cattycorner across the park," indicates that the person traveled in a diagonal path rather than a straight or perpendicular one.
This term originated in the United States in the mid-19th century and has become a commonly used colloquial expression across various regions. While not considered a formal term in academic contexts, it has found its place in everyday language to convey the diagonal relationship or positioning of objects or movement in a playful and descriptive manner.
Common Misspellings for CATTYCORNER
- xattycorner
- vattycorner
- fattycorner
- dattycorner
- czttycorner
- csttycorner
- cwttycorner
- cqttycorner
- cartycorner
- caftycorner
- cagtycorner
- caytycorner
- ca6tycorner
- ca5tycorner
- catrycorner
- catfycorner
- catgycorner
- catyycorner
- cat6ycorner
- cat5ycorner
Etymology of CATTYCORNER
The word "cattycorner" (also spelled "catty-corner" or "cater-corner") is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-19th century. Its etymology is somewhat uncertain, but there are a few theories about its origin.
One theory suggests that the word is a corruption of the phrase "cater-cornered", which derives from the Middle French word "acater" meaning "to set diagonally". This French word was brought to America by French immigrants, and over time, it is believed to have evolved into "cater-cornered" and eventually "cattycorner".
Another theory proposes that the term is derived from the word "catty", meaning "diagonal" or "across" in Scots English.
Idioms with the word CATTYCORNER
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cattycorner
"Cattycorner" is an idiom used to describe something that is located diagonally across from something else, or at an angle. It can also be used to describe something that is located in an unusual or non-direct position in relation to something else.
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