Technology
Exploring the Term ‘Kitty Corner’ - Its Origins and Usage
What is the Term ‘Kitty Corner’ and Where Did It Come From?
Introduction to ‘Kitty Corner’
The term “kitty corner” is a colloquial expression often used to describe a position that is diagonally opposite or across from another point. It’s a playful and somewhat whimsical term that humorously alludes to the often awkward yet interesting ways cats might move around, making it a delightful term to use in casual conversation.
Interestingly, Google can find this term used in various contexts, from playful discussions in blogs to geographical descriptions in news articles. The use of spelling variants like “kitty corner” or “catty corner” is quite common, reflecting the casual and evolving nature of language.
The Origins of ‘Kitty Corner’
The term “kitty corner” is closely related to another phrase, “catty corner,” which is actually the more widely accepted spelling. Both terms describe a diagonal position or orientation. Yet, the term “kitty corner” has developed a humorous connotation, possibly due to its allusion to feline behavior.
The word’s origin traces back to a French term, “quatre corner,” meaning “four corners.” Over time, in English, this evolved into “cater corner,” where “cater” was a misspelling of “quatre.” Eventually, through folk etymology, “cater” was replaced with “kitty,” leading to the terms we see today: “catty corner,” “cater corner,” “catty cornered,” “kitty corner,” and “kitty cornered.”
Spelling Variants and Usage
Let’s delve into the various spellings and where you might encounter them:
catty corner - This is the most commonly used spelling cater corner - An older spelling that is still sometimes used kitty corner - This spelling has developed a whimsical connotation catty cornered, cater cornered, kitty cornered, and catty cornered - These are adjectival forms that describe a positionUsage Examples
To better understand how “kitty corner” and its variants are used in different contexts, here are some examples:
In a diagonal or oblique position or on a diagonal or oblique line. Situated catercorner to each other on opposite sides of Bradford Island—Time. The ship had come down catercorner across two roofs—Readers Digest. Walking cater-cornered through the field—A. J. Liebling. Sailing catty-cornered across the bay—Louisa W. Peat.In each of these examples, the term is used to describe a position that is diagonally opposite or across from the starting point. This term can be found in both formal and casual literature, reflecting its widespread use and understanding in English.
A Geographical Perspective
The term can be used in a geographical context to describe the layout of buildings, streets, and houses. For example, if you are standing on the southwest corner of a street, the building on the northeast corner would be described as “kitty corner” relative to you. This is particularly useful in urban planning and geographic descriptions.
Global Usage
The usage of “kitty corner” is not limited to English-speaking countries. It has also been observed in other countries, such as Germany, where it appears in local stores and signage. This global adoption of the term highlights its universality in describing diagonal positioning, making it a valuable term for both native speakers and learners of English.
Summary
While “kitty corner” is often associated with playful humor and cat behavior, its origins can be traced back to a more formal French term. The development of this term reflects the evolving and somewhat chaotic nature of language, which is both a source of its charm and its complexity. Whether used to describe the layout of buildings or to spice up a casual conversation, “kitty corner” remains a beloved and useful term in the English language.