Understanding 'Catty-corner': A Linguistic Exploration

In the realm of English vocabulary, few words are as linguistically fascinating and orthographically diverse as 'catty-corner.' As explored by Peter Sokolowski in the 'Word of the Day' segment, this term serves as both an adverb and an adjective, primarily used to describe objects or locations that are positioned "across from each other, on opposite corners."

Orthographic Variants and Usage

The term presents a unique challenge for writers due to its multiple accepted spellings. While the segment highlights 'catty-corner' as the primary focus, it notes that it can also be spelled as 'kitty-corner' (hyphenated) or 'kittycorner' (as two words). Another distinct, albeit less common, variant is 'catercorner,' which is written as a single word.

To illustrate its practical application, the podcast references an NBC News report describing individuals "positioned on balconies catty-corner from each other." This example effectively captures the spatial relationship the word intends to convey—a diagonal orientation that is neither strictly parallel nor directly adjacent.

The Etymological Roots: From Dice to Diagonals

One of the most intriguing aspects of 'catty-corner' is its origin, which is frequently misunderstood. A common misconception is that the word shares a connection with cats. However, Sokolowski clarifies that "these terms bear no etymological relation to our feline friends."

Instead, the history of the word is rooted in the Middle French noun "quatre," meaning "four." This term was adapted into English as "cater" and was historically applied to "the four-dotted side of a die." Because the four spots on a die form an X-like shape, the word "cater" evolved dialectically into a verb that meant "to place, move or cut across diagonally." By combining this sense of diagonal movement with the word "corner," the compound "catty-corner" was born.

Historical Context and Evolution

The transformation of this term from a specialized reference to dice games into a common descriptive adjective is well-documented in historical literature. A notable early usage appears in an 1825 magazine article, where the author describes an "ancient Roman fresco painting" featuring a table with "four peacocks with their tails set catty-corner." This usage demonstrates that the term had already begun to capture the essence of diagonal arrangement in descriptive contexts nearly two centuries ago.

Conclusion

Over time, the variants "kitty-corner" and "catty-corner" became the standard forms recognized by English speakers. While the etymological journey from the French "quatre" to the modern-day "catty-corner" is complex, the word remains a vital part of the language for describing spatial relationships. Understanding that its roots lie in the geometry of a die rather than the anatomy of a cat provides a deeper appreciation for the evolution of our daily vocabulary.