crazy quilt: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, sometimes figurative.
Quick answer
What does “crazy quilt” mean?
A quilt made by sewing together irregularly shaped and randomly arranged pieces of fabric.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A quilt made by sewing together irregularly shaped and randomly arranged pieces of fabric.
A chaotic, disorganized, or haphazard arrangement or system characterized by an irregular patchwork of elements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is known in both varieties, but the literal craft object (quilt) is more culturally rooted in American tradition. The figurative usage is common in both.
Connotations
In both, literal connotation is of a traditional, often homemade craft. Figurative connotation is universally negative, implying disorder.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to the cultural context of quilting.
Grammar
How to Use “crazy quilt” in a Sentence
[NP] is a crazy quilt of [NP]a crazy quilt [NP]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Describes fragmented markets or inconsistent regulations (e.g., 'The tax code is a crazy quilt of exemptions').
Academic
Used in political science or sociology to describe non-uniform policy implementation.
Everyday
Describes a literal quilt or any very messy, disorganized situation.
Technical
Rare; potential use in computing for describing non-uniform data structures.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crazy quilt”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crazy quilt”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crazy quilt”
- Using 'crazy blanket' (incorrect).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to crazy quilt' is non-standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it originates from a type of quilt, it is now more commonly used figuratively to describe any messy, disorganized system.
Not typically. It is descriptive. However, when used figuratively, it carries a negative judgment about disorganization.
No, it is not standard. The term functions almost exclusively as a compound noun ('a crazy quilt').
They are often synonymous. 'Crazy quilt' emphasizes the irregularity and haphazard nature more strongly and is slightly more informal and figurative.
A quilt made by sewing together irregularly shaped and randomly arranged pieces of fabric.
Crazy quilt is usually informal, sometimes figurative. in register.
Crazy quilt: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkreɪzi ˈkwɪlt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkreɪzi ˈkwɪlt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a crazy quilt of regulations”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a quilt sewn by someone acting 'crazy' – the pieces are all odd shapes and don't match.
Conceptual Metaphor
SYSTEM IS A TEXTILE (a disorganized system is a randomly patched quilt).
Practice
Quiz
In a business article, 'a crazy quilt of regulations' implies: