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