i checked to see if this was a YART (hi kev), but my searches came up empty save one oblique reference...

i used the phrase kitty corner the other day and it fell on confused ears. is this an uncommon term? i LIU'd and it appears the original was 'catty corner' (from the french '4'), and the transmogrification from that to 'kitty' seems natural, but is this only a regional permutation? and of those of you who use it, do you reserve it (as i do) for use in describing physical locations when giving directions involving actual corners (eg: it's kitty corner from the gas station at the intersection of X and Y streets)?