Definition

In a state of confusion or disorder, often involving a chaotic or hurried manner.

Example

The children ran pellmell through the park, laughing and shouting.

Conversation

Did you see everyone running pellmell during the fire drill?

Yeah, it was a bit chaotic, wasn't it?

I couldn't believe how fast people were moving, just pellmell everywhere!

I know! It felt like a scene from a movie!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pellmell originates from the Old French 'pel mel', meaning 'confusedly' or 'in a jumble'. The term combines 'pel' (meaning 'skin' or 'hide') and 'mel' (meaning 'mixture' or 'mix'). The phrase originally described a chaotic mixture or a confused state.

Memory Tip

Imagine a jumble of things mixed together, like a pile of skins ('pel') and a mixture ('mel'). This helps you remember that 'pellmell' means in a confused or chaotic manner.

Visually Confused Words