arsy-versy

/ ˈɑːsɪˈvɜːsɪ /

adverb

1. backwards or upside down
2. in reverse

Word History and Origins

Origin of arsy-versy¹

C16: from arse + Latin versus turned, modelled on compounds like hurly-burly

Example Sentences

In each case an old tennis hand was the obstacle that sent the youngsters arsy-versy: Gardnar Mulloy, 37, and Billy Talbert, 32.

From Time Magazine Archive

Suddenly three frolicsome girls with their aunt come to live with him, turn everything arsy-versy.

From Time Magazine Archive

To keep the ice clear of objects that might send her arsy-versy when she is traveling at 35 m.p.h., her troupe is forbidden to wear hairpins, the electrical superstructure over the rink is scrupulously vacuumed.

From Time Magazine Archive

Author Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald's title implies that the world his latest stories tell about is cockeyed, arsy-versy.

From Time Magazine Archive