Chaos is inherent in many parts of life, but there is a difference between planned chaos and complete disorder. If you have a teenager that leaves things everywhere, you probably know exactly what we mean. One phrase you can use to describe this is helter-skelter. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
There are a few different meanings for the phrase helter-skelter, but the most common is confusion and haste. Being disorderly and wild is another meaning of the phrase helter-skelter. When something is out of order, messy, or just placed without thought, it is also referred to as being helter-skelter. Haphazard is another great way to explain the meaning of helter-skelter.
Another well-known meaning of the phrase is actually the name of a popular amusement park ride. The helter-skelter ride is arrayed on a tall tower and features a spiral slide going around it. Depending on where you are, this may be a very tall ride you can slide down on your own, or it may be a more formal strap-in ride. The term helter-skelter also can refer to something that is frayed and disorderly. One of the most modern uses of the phrase is its use as the name of Charles Manson’s most popular metal song.
Example Usage
“Everything in my life seems to be out of whack and simply helter-skelter”.
“When the tigers in the zoo broke out of their enclosure, everyone started scattering helter-skelter to avoid being attacked”.
“After the earthquake, you could see cars and buildings laid out helter-skelter across the ravaged landscape”.
“The helter-skelter ride in London is one of the best roller coasters of all time. You should visit when you come into town”.
Origin
The phrase helter-skelter has been around since the 1500s one of the first known usages of the phrase was in 1593. Alternative meanings of the phrase emerged in 1708 and 1713 as well. In 1590, there was a word skelter, which means to scatter, the word helter-skelter is thought to be derived from a rhyming reduplication. It is also thought to come from the adjective harum-scarum, which holds a similar meaning. However, harum-scarum was not seen in print until 1785, and helter-skelter was around before that.
The first helter-skelter ride popped up in 1906 on Blackpool Pleasure Beach. The ride was in the process of being developed at the start of the 20th century. The ride is rather tipsy turvey, which is in line with the meaning of the phrase helter-skelter. Modern sayings of helter-skelter evolved between the 1700d and 1900s, though the meaning has remained constant regardless of its evolutions.
Phrases Similar to Helter-Skelter
- Hit or miss
- Haphazard
- Random
- Disorderly
- Carelessly
- Hurry-scurry
- Confused
- Slapdash
Phrases Opposite to Helter-Skelter
- Orderly
- Systematic
- Organized
- Deliberate
- Unhurried
What is the Correct Saying?
- The proper way to say the phrase is - helter-skelter.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say Helter-Skelter
Some ways that helter-skelter is used incorrectly are:
- The FBI is one of the most helter-skelter groups in law enforcement. They have copious records arrayed by date, event, and the subject of interest.
- I think helter-skelter is a great love song, I don’t know why it’s classified as rock.
- The library is arranged so helter-skelter and neat, it makes it easy to find things.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Helter-Skelter
Some ways that helter-skelter is used correctly are:
- The pattern of the planets this month is helter-skelter, I hope that your mood is not negatively affected.
- I think the layout of your quilt is rather helter-skelter, it makes it hard to look at regardless of your stitch quality.
- When the supervisor suddenly entered the break room, she noticed the staff arrayed helter-skelter across the tables.
- These seeds are very low-maintenance, you can toss them in the garden helter-skelter and they will grow with a bit of water.