Synonyms

catawampus

American

[kat-uh-wom-puhs] / ˌkæt əˈwɒm pəs /

Also cattywampus

adjective

askew; awry.
positioned diagonally; cater-cornered.

adverb

diagonally; obliquely.

We took a shortcut and walked catawampus across the field.

Usage

Where does catawampus come from? Catawampus, meaning "askew, diagonal," is first recorded in the 1830–40s. Originally, catawampus also meant "fierce." It's thought to be an American colloquialism influenced by the cater- in cater-cornered (or for many of us, kitty-corner) and wampish, Scottish for "flopping about."Many more amusing Americanisms await in our slideshow "These Wacky Words Originated In The USA."

Etymology

Origin of catawampus

First recorded in 1830–40 for earlier sense “utterly”; cata- diagonally ( cater-cornered ) + -wampus, perhaps akin to wampish

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Then again, the district’s catawampus finances suggest its leaders are no better at math.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

We’re trying to find the balance again because it’s felt catawampus for a minute.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2025

Zeus brings me to the beach shortly after passing a catawampus gazebo with several collapsed pilings.

From Washington Post • Mar. 14, 2019

One set of shutters was missing and the other hung lopsided, like the whole house had been smacked catawampus.

From "Hope Springs" by Jaime Berry

The human mind doesn't seem to be able to associate Henry and me with the Ritz without the sense of the eternal fitness of things going wapper-jawed and catawampus.

From The Martial Adventures of Henry and Me by White, William Allen

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023