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As off or out of kilter (1620s) variant of dialectak kelter (circa1600) "good condition, order," of unknown origin, perhaps associated with kelt/celt referring to fine quality of Celtic manufacture.

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13y ago
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6mo ago

The phrase "off kilter" originated in the mid-19th century and initially referred to an unbalanced or tilted position of a machine or object. Figuratively, it came to mean something or someone that is not quite right or out of sync. It is believed to have derived from the Scottish word "kelter," which means "good condition" or "order."

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Q: Where does the phrase off kilter come from?
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Where did the expression 'off-kilter' originate?

The expression "off-kilter" uses the word kilter, which means "good condition". To be off-kilter is to be out of good condition, or faulty. The word is first seen in the 1630's and 40's, as the English word "kelter". Other than this, the origin is unknown.


Where did the expression 'off kilter' originate?

it derives from a 15th Century word 'Kilter or Kelter' meaning 'good condition' Further to that origin unknown. Off kilter thus meaning not functioning properly.


What is a five letter word for off kilter?

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Yes, but he's so goofy and off-kilter he doesn't get very far in his villainy.


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A 6 letter word starting from k?

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Uranus is tilted on its side because of violent impact that knocked Uranus off kilter some time ago. Uranus is tilted by 98 degrees.