higgledy-piggledy

American  

[hig-uhl-dee-pig-uhl-dee] / ˈhɪg əl diˈpɪg əl di /

adverb

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

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adjective

1. confused; jumbled.

higgledy-piggledy British  

/ ˈhɪɡəldɪˈpɪɡəldɪ /

adjective

1. in a jumble

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noun

1. a muddle

Etymology

Origin of higgledy-piggledy

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

Explanation

When something happens higgledy-piggledy, it's chaotic and disorganized. If you build your Lego tower higgledy-piggledy, it may end up too tall and narrow, making it that much easier for your brother to knock it over. You can use this word, known as a "reduplicated phrase" for the rhyming repetition of its sounds, as an adjective and an adverb. So your dad may object to the higgledy-piggledy state of your room, and you might respond by throwing everything higgledy-piggledy into your closet. It's a great word that perfectly illustrates disorder or confusion. Unlike other reduplicated phrases such as hanky-panky or helter-skelter, higgledy-piggledy is a rare double dactyl, a repeated three-syllable word that stresses the first syllable.

Example Sentences

Higgledy, piggledy, With coulrophobia Silly buffoons cause you Terrible fear.

From Washington Post • Oct. 17, 2019

Higgledy piggledy, House Speaker “Boehner”: it Reads a bit sexy, but Spoke, it’s benign.

From Washington Post

Higgledy piggledy Here we lie, Pick'd and pluck'd, And put in a pie.

From The Nursery Rhymes of England by Various

Higgledy, piggledy, packed we lie, Rats in a hamper, swine in a stye, Wasps in a bottle, frogs in a sieve, Worms in a carcase, fleas in a sleeve.

From English Critical Essays Nineteenth Century by Jones, Edmund David

Higgledy piggledy Here we lie, Pick'd and pluck'd, And put in a pie.

From The Nursery Rhymes of England by Various