I. ˌtäp-sē-ˈtər-vē adverb
Etymology: probably ultimately from tops (plural of top ) (I) + obsolete English terve to turn upside down
Date: 1528
1. : in utter confusion or disorder
2. : with the top or head downward : upside down
II. adjective
Date: 1612
: turned topsy-turvy : totally disordered
• top·sy-tur·vi·ly -ˈtər-və-lē adverb
• top·sy-tur·vy·dom -vē-dəm noun
III. noun
Date: 1655
: topsy-turviness