The word “askew” is frequently used to evoke a sense of things being out of proper alignment or disturbed order, whether that be in physical appearance or in the unfolding of events. Authors employ it to describe everything from the physical misplacement of objects—a hat worn at an odd angle [1, 2, 3] or a door swinging irregularly [4]—to the subtle imbalances in a character’s expression or state of mind [5, 6]. It also paints scenes of disorder, as when structures, landscapes, or even societal constructs appear misaligned or awry [7, 8]. This choice of word efficiently conveys both a literal and figurative off-kilter quality, enriching the narrative with a vivid, if slightly disconcerting, visual and emotional texture [9, 10].