Topsy-turvy Definition

tŏpsē-tûrvē
topsy turvies, topsy-turviest, topsy-turvier
adverb
Upside down; in a reversed condition.
Webster's New World
With the top downward and the bottom up; upside-down.
American Heritage
In confusion or disorder.
Webster's New World
adjective
topsy-turvier, topsy-turviest
Turned or positioned upside down; inverted.
American Heritage
Confused or disordered.
American Heritage
Antonyms:
noun
A topsy-turvy condition; inverted state.
Webster's New World
A state of confusion.
Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Topsy-turvy

Noun

Singular:
topsy-turvy
Plural:
topsy turvies

Adjective

Base Form:
topsy-turvy
Comparative:
topsy-turvier
Superlative:
topsy-turviest

Origin of Topsy-turvy

  • Earlier topside-turvey, topsy-tervy; probably for top so turvy; that is, the top as turvy, as it were turvy, where turvy probably means "overturned", from Anglo-Saxon torfian to throw.

    From Wiktionary

  • Probably from top obsolete terve to overturn (from Middle English terven)

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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