phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

Ass over kite

Posted by Smokey Stover on December 28, 2006

In Reply to: Ass over kite Posted by Johnny Smoke on December 27, 2006

: Does anyone know the origin of "ass over kite"? It's often used to describe someone who's had a nasty wreck or fall. I've also heard it used to describe someone who's terribly sick or fallen hard in love with someone.

I suppose you mean as in "ass over kite in love." The good news is that the expression, a** over kite, is widely used. The bad news is that I have no idea why.

Usually going ass-over-teakettle or -teacup or -head or -elbow, or of course ass-over-kite, means having a slip and fall, or even just a fall. It's often defined as "going head over heals, topsy-turvy, turned upside-down" or some such. The British sometimes say "ass-over-tip" or "ass-over-tit."

Of the many sites elicited by Google, you might prefer the explanation of The Word Maven,

www.randomhouse.com

Naturally there's a limerick:
By David Franks
(Quote Me!)

The view from the tower enthused me,
But the head of the stairway confused me.
I misstepped at the top,
Tripped and fell, and the drop--
I went a** over teakettle--bruised me.
SS

© 1997 – 2024 Phrases.org.uk. All rights reserved.