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Webster 1913 Edition

Topsy-turvy

Top′sy-tur′vy

,
adv.
[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, fr.
AS
.
torfian
to throw.]
In an inverted posture; with the top or head downward; upside down;
as, to turn a carriage
topsy-turvy
.

Webster 1828 Edition

Topsy-turvy

TOPSY-TUR'VY

,
adv.
In an inverted posture; with the top or head downwards; as, to turn a carriage topsy-turvy.

Definition 2025

topsy-turvy

topsy-turvy

See also: topsyturvy and topsy turvy

English

Adjective

topsy-turvy ‎(comparative topsy-turvier, superlative topsy-turviest)

  1. Backwards or upside-down
  2. disorderly; chaotic.

Translations

Adverb

topsy-turvy ‎(comparative more topsy-turvy, superlative most topsy-turvy)

  1. Backwards or upside-down
  2. disorderly; chaotically.

Translations

Etymology

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 Middle English torven, torvien ‎(“to throw; cast”), from Old English torfian ‎(“to throw; pelt”), from Proto-Germanic *turbōną ‎(“to fling, hurl”). Related to Old English tearflian ‎(“to wallow, roll over”), Old English ġetyrfian ‎(“to assail with missiles; attack; assault”). More at terve.

Pronunciation

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