Phrase Origins: Topsy-Turvy

When we use the phrase "topsy-turvy," we know that it means "upset" or "with the top where the bottom should be."

This phrase is similar to "heads over heels" (which actually doesn't make much sense as our heads our over our heels [read more about that here]) and upside down [read more about upside down here].

The phrase "topsy turvy" has been recorded since at least the 16^th century. One of the earliest known examples is from The decades of the newe worlde by Richard Eden. This book is from 1555. It says "They say that... they see the houses turne topsy turuye, and men to walke with theyr heeles vpwarde."

How this phrase came to be is not certain. It is obvious that "topsy" refers to the "top" of whatever was upset. This is especially obvious when the phrase is "topside-turvy" instead of "topsy-turvey." However, it is not certain what "turvy" means. "Turvy" is not found as a word on its own. It is always found as part of the phrase "topsy-turvy" or "topside-turvy."

" Turvy" has also had many spellings. These include "turvie," "tervy," and "tirvy."

One suggestion is that "turvy" alludes to having one's head on the turf. The problem with this is that none of the early uses of the phrase mention anybody's head being on the turf.

While it is not certain, a more likely origin of "turvy" is from the medieval verb "tirve." This meant "to turn over" or "to topple over."

Sources:

Martin, G. (n.d.). Topsy-turvy. The meanings and origins of sayings and phrases . Retrieved April 5, 2011, from http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/topsy-turvy.html

Merriam-Webster Unabridged Log-in. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster Unabridged Log-in . Retrieved April 5, 2011, from http://unabridged.merriam-webster.com/cgi-bin/unabridged?va=turvy