Definition of arsy-versy in English:
arsy-versy
adverb & adjectiveɑːsɪˈvəːsi
informal In a confused, disordered, or perversely contrary state or manner.
as adjective they got things all arsy-versy
Example sentencesExamples
- As one of the characters says (maybe my favourite line), it's an arsy-versy world.
- The creator of these arsy-versy architectonic visions aims explicitly for ambiguity. ‘What fascinates me is how the photographic image can be manipulated.'
- Fourthly, it seems to me, Chris Harman's presentation of his adversaries is arsy-versy.
- I try to do it in a kind of arsy-versy way with my system of having an assistant director.
- This book presents waste as an aesthetic category that introduces an arsy-versy world where detritus is precious.
Origin
Mid 16th century: from arse + Latin versus 'turned', the addition of -y1 to both elements forming a jingle.
topsy-turvy from early 16th century:
Things have been topsy-turvy since at least 1528. The term is probably based on top and turve, an old word meaning ‘to topple over, overturn’; the extra -ys are similar to those in hurly-burly (M16th from ‘hurling’ meaning ‘commotion’) and arsy-versy (also M16th, from arse and Latin versus, ‘turned’).
Rhymes
Circe, mercy, Percy, pursy
Definition of arsy-versy in US English:
arsy-versy
adjective & adverbˌärsē ˈvərsē
British informal In a confused, disordered, or perversely contrary state or condition.
as adjective they got things all arsy-versy
Example sentencesExamples
- Fourthly, it seems to me, Chris Harman's presentation of his adversaries is arsy-versy.
- I try to do it in a kind of arsy-versy way with my system of having an assistant director.
- As one of the characters says (maybe my favourite line), it's an arsy-versy world.
- The creator of these arsy-versy architectonic visions aims explicitly for ambiguity. ‘What fascinates me is how the photographic image can be manipulated.'
- This book presents waste as an aesthetic category that introduces an arsy-versy world where detritus is precious.
Origin
Mid 16th century: from arse + Latin versus ‘turned’, the addition of -y to both elements forming a jingle.