What does crookedly mean?
"Crookedly" is an adverb meaning in a bent, curved, or uneven way — not straight, level, or symmetrical. It is formed from "crooked," itself derived from "crook," a word for a hook or bend that dates back to Old Norse via Middle English. In practice, "crookedly" appears most often in descriptions of physical posture and positioning: a hat worn crookedly, a fence leaning crookedly, a signature slanting crookedly across a page. It also carries a figurative sense — doing something in a dishonest or underhanded way — though this use is comparatively rare today. The word enjoys particular popularity in fiction, where "smiled crookedly" or "grinned crookedly" has become a stock phrase for signalling a character's wry, roguish, or self-deprecating charm. Because it conveys gentle irregularity rather than outright disorder, "crookedly" lends descriptions a precise, evocative touch that plainer words like "badly" or "wrongly" cannot match.
adverbIn a bent, curved, or not straight manner; also figuratively, in a dishonest or improper way.
- In a bent, curved, or asymmetrical way — not straight or level (e.g. a picture hanging crookedly).
- Figuratively, in a dishonest, unfair, or improper manner.
"The old sign hung crookedly above the shop door after the storm."
"She smiled crookedly and shrugged, as if the whole mix-up were nothing."
"The picture hung crookedly on the wall, one corner noticeably lower than the other."
That lopsided grin characters give in novels? Novelists reach for "smiled crookedly" so often it has become one of fiction's most reliable tells of a charming rogue.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of crookedly
"Crookedly" derives from "crooked," the adjectival form of "crook," which entered English from Old Norse "krókr" (a hook) during the Middle English period; the ultimate root is the Germanic base that also gives us "crotch" and related hooked implements such as the shepherd's crook and bishop's crosier. The adjective "crooked" came to mean both physically bent and morally dishonest, and by extension the adverbial form inherited both meanings. Words sharing this lineage include "crook" itself and "crookedness."
Related word forms
How crookedly is actually used
"Crookedly" is common in both everyday and literary English. Its figurative sense (acting dishonestly) is far less frequent than the literal spatial sense; in modern usage the word most often describes smiles, grins, and physical tilts rather than corrupt conduct.
Easily confused with crookedly
"Crooked" is the adjective describing something bent or dishonest, while "crookedly" is the adverb describing how an action is done or how something is positioned.