arsy-versy

arsy-versy

1. adjective Backwards; incorrect or mixed up; contrary to what is expected or desired. Likely a play on the Latin vice versa. Primarily heard in UK. The wiring in whole building is arsy-versy, so we have to get a new electrician in to set things right.
2. adverb Done in a backwards, incorrect, or mixed up fashion. Primarily heard in UK. Oh, darn. I've gone and put my clothes on all arsy-versy.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • arsy
  • arsy-varsy
  • arsis
  • make a fist of
  • make a good/bad/etc. fist of (something)
  • bulletproof
  • appropriate for
  • in-between
  • as good, well, etc. as the next person
References in periodicals archive
You read bottom line first Since he wrote all reversed-- He did every job arsy-versy A very odd poet was Percy!
Giant Kickshaws