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Cattywampus Play audio

In Appalachian and Southern slang, "cattywampus" means crooked, askew, or out of order. It can also mean things turned upside down or gone all wrong.

#SouthernWords   #Appalachia   #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...
If a shelf ain't right, it might be cattywampus - crooked, tilted, just plain ol' outta line. Still in use. 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
If a shelf ain't right, it might be cattywampus - crooked, tilted, just plain ol' outta line. Still in use. 

Pronunciation

[CAT-ee-wahm-pus]

Meaning & Usage

- Crooked, askew, disordered (adjective)

Mae:
That picture frame’s hangin’ cattywampus.
Earl:
Hold still, I’ll straighten it.

- Out of order, gone wrong (adjective)

Mae:
Our whole plan went cattywampus when the power went out.
Earl:
Ain’t that the truth.
variations: catawampus, caddywampus, cattywumpus, askew, crooked, outta whack
★ "Cattywampus" is usually lighthearted. It’s not as sharp as "sigogglin’" - more fun and playful, often said with a smile. ★

Origin and Etymology

The word likely comes from "cater" (meaning diagonally) combined with a fanciful ending like "wampus" (possibly from "catamount," or wildcat). First recorded in the 1800s in American South and Appalachia.

Usage Notes

Still common across the South, Appalachia, and Midwest. Unlike "sigogglin," most Americans recognize it, even outside the mountains.

Say It Like a Southerner

Play audio Say it playful: "cat-ee-wahm-pus." Stress the first syllable, let the rest tumble out quick.

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Is it spelled "cattywampus" or "catawampus"?
Both show up - "cattywampus" is the most common spelling today, but "catawampus" is older.
Is it the same as "sigogglin"?
Close, but not quite. Both mean crooked, but "sigogglin" is more Appalachian, while "cattywampus" spread wider.
Can it mean "wrong" as well as "crooked"?
Yes. It’s often stretched to mean "out of order" or "gone wrong."

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