Topsy-turvy

Pronunciation

Origin

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 Old English torfian ("to throw"), 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.

Full definition of topsy-turvy

Adjective

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

Adverb

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