Picture-skew

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: en, /ˈpɪkt͡ʃəˌskjuː/

Origin

A deliberately mispronounced respelling of picturesque, for humorous effect.

Full definition of picture-skew

Adjective

1. (humorous) Alternative form of en
• 1926: Florence Nelson & C F Scheer, Safety education (Education Division, National Safety Council), page 22:However, in a broad-brimmed hat
  And frilly dress, she figured that
  She looked quite sweet and picture-skew,
  When seated in a green canoe.
• 1943: James Styles, The Soul of the Universe, and Other Poems (New Method Ptg. Co.), page 12:This was their first trip on this road.
  That they were thrilled, their faces showed.
  One of them oft admired the view,
  Exclaiming, “Ain’t that picture-skew”!
• 1945: New statesman: The Week-end Review (Statesman and Nation Publishing), page 31:Cheap-looking, true — but picture-skew — my Kots will stretch for miles ...
• 1958, George Smith, ^{1} “... I thought it was out of date to like things to be picture-skew,” Peter said, ...
  ^{2} Picture-skew; a bit of tout droit; carry on, Jeeves; the horrible puns ...
• 2005, Philip Hart, The Flight of the Mystic Owls, “... We’ll get the elk and the deer and the rocks in our own picture-skew way, won’t we, Ron?”
  
  “If you mean ‘picturesque’ I’d say that you are quite right. ...”