More about helter-skelter
- First recorded in 1585–95.
- Rhyming compound, perhaps based on unattested skelt, Middle English skelten, “to hasten,” (further origin unknown); reduplication with initial h parallel to hubble-bubble, higgledy-piggledy, etc.
EXAMPLES OF HELTER-SKELTER
- The toys were left helter-skelter on the floor after the children’s playdate, creating a mess.
- The sudden downpour sent people running helter-skelter to find cover from the rain.