þveröfugri

þveröfugri is an Icelandic word that translates to "backwards" or "reversed" in English. It is often used to describe something that is done in an opposite or contrary manner to the usual or expected way. This can apply to physical actions, directions, or even abstract concepts. For example, one might say that a car is driving þveröfugri if it is moving in reverse. In a more metaphorical sense, a plan that has gone completely wrong could be described as having gone þveröfugri. The word is derived from the Old Norse word "þverr," meaning "across" or "transverse," and "öfugr," meaning "opposite" or "inverse." The combination suggests a reversal or crossing over of the normal order. While not an everyday word for most Icelanders, it is encountered in literature and formal contexts. Its usage emphasizes a deliberate or noticeable deviation from the standard. The concept it represents is universal, but the specific linguistic form is unique to Icelandic.