higgledy-piggledy

[ hig-uhl-dee-pig-uhl-dee ]

adverb

1. in a jumbled, confused, or disorderly manner; helter-skelter.

adjective

1. confused; jumbled.

higgledy-piggledy

/ ˈhɪɡəldɪˈpɪɡəldɪ /

adjective

1. in a jumble

noun

1. a muddle

Word History and Origins

Origin of higgledy-piggledy¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; rhyming compound of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

The cargo of marble blocks, piled higgledy-piggledy like a child's building-bricks, formed a thorough citadel.

From Project Gutenberg

They walked along in silence, the most ill-sorted pair that you might hope to find in all that higgledy-piggledy city.

From Project Gutenberg

Several names may be set in higgledy-piggledy fashion, for they belong to no class, and are sui generis.

From Project Gutenberg

The contents of a hundred Primers rose higgledy-piggledy, to congest his mind and memory.

From Project Gutenberg

She plumped into it higgledy-piggledy and curled up, an unsightly, humpful excrescence upon its suave surface.

From Project Gutenberg