skew-whiff
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skew-whiff
- /ˈskjuː.(w)ɪf/ UK
- /ˈskiː.wɪf/
- /ˈskjuː.(w)ɪf/ Australia
Where it comes from
From skew + weft.
The expression 'skew weft' dates at least from the 18th century as a term used by handloom weavers, typically in northern England. It was used originally to describe fabric which was out of alignment, and the term survives today in the manufacture of glass fiber cloth.
The word weft does not derive from 'whiff' as in a puff of air (as suggested elsewhere). The modern spelling comes from a corruption of 'skew-wift' whose sound developed colloquially in spoken English from the original. Bow weft also exists.
adjective more skew-whiff · most skew-whiff · skew-wift · skew wift · skew wiff · skew-wiff
- Askew; lopsided, not straight. I hung up that picture, but it looks skew-whiff to me.
