Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
criss-cross applesauce. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
criss-cross applesauce, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
criss-cross applesauce in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
criss-cross applesauce you have here. The definition of the word
criss-cross applesauce will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
criss-cross applesauce, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
Etymology
Rhyming on criss-cross, particularly with a word familiar to children and teachers, possibly with similarity to lap forming a bowl.
Apparently originated in the 1990s US, as an alternative for Indian style.
Compare also traditional children’s rhyming game / massage (rhyme said while touching, tickling, and blowing), which goes:
- Criss, cross. Apple sauce.
- Spiders climbing up your back.
- Spiders here, Spiders there.
- Spiders even in your hair.
- Cool breeze,
- Tight squeeze,
- And now you have the shivers.
- Brrrrrrr.
Pronunciation
Adverb
criss-cross applesauce (not comparable)
- (childish, US, regional, idiomatic) (of sitting): Cross-legged.
Sit criss-cross applesauce.
Usage notes
Generally used by nursery school and primary school teachers to children, sometimes followed by “spoons in the bowl” to mean “hands in your lap”, strengthening analogy with a bowl of applesauce; alternatively, “spoons in your bowl” or “spoons in your lap”.
Spelling varies, as it is primarily spoken and not written, but “criss-cross applesauce” and “criss cross applesauce” are most common.
Synonyms