You're right! The logical order is the opposite, and that's precisely what we find in other expressions ("upside-down", "topsy-turvy". . . and some racier ones)
http://www.randomhouse.com/wotd/index.pperl?date=19960517
http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/head-over-heels.html
Not only so, but the ORIGINAL form of the expression (first attested in the 14th century) is exactly what you would expect, "heels over head". And there have been those who have insisted on retaining that form (e.g., Baum in the Oz books).
But by the 18th century (first known example 1771) the confused, reversed form began to be used... and during the 19th century it took over.
Why? Well it might have been a simple mistake by someone not thinking. (And perhaps, once it got started, some thought the notion was that of flipping FORWARD.).
Frankly, I think the best explanation for how the mistaken version started and took hold is fairly easy if you simply try to say each expression out loud, several times (fast!). It is simply EASIER and more natural to say "head over heels"
(Michael Quinion has written about this on his own site. But oddly, in editing this article from an earlier form he omitted a very similar suggestion --that it may have been that authors "found the stress pattern of 'head over heels more persuasive than the older form." Actually, it's not exactly the "stress pattern", since that would be the same for each expression; it is the order of the sounds -- the newer order is easier to articulate.)
Qunion
http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-hea3.htm
earlier(?) article:
http://www.suite101.com/discussion.cfm/investing/106255/973849
compare:
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3_241a.html
2006-10-26 05:41:44
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answer #1
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answered by bruhaha 7
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The phrase is said to have originated in the 14th century as 'heels over head', meaning doing a cartwheel or somersault but somehow it got inverted along the way. This appeared later in Thomas Carlyle's History of Frederick the Great, 1864: "A total circumgyration, summerset, or tumble heels-over-head in the Political relations of Europe." Indeed, "head over heels" is already our normal state when standing or sitting so I never thought it referred to a cartwheel, it truly makes no sense. I rather thought it referred to one of those wild and flexible sexual positions where a woman would put her legs behind her head.
2016-05-21 21:46:31
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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It originated because someone actually fell over several times where they ended up rolling in a head over heels motion... then people started to use the expression of falling head over heels to help the listener to imagine that it was greater than just the normal words....
example: falling head over heels in love is greater than just falling in love.
2006-10-26 01:31:46
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answer #3
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answered by P!ss Ant 5
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Technically ur head is above ur heels... and to me it makes sense sorta...but when for instance u fall in love u lose ur coordination... ok so i'm just making stuff up now...
2006-10-26 12:32:54
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answer #4
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answered by Maggz 4
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lol! Now this is one question both humorous and interesting
Head over heels is an alliteration which means to be attracted to someone or to become very fond of something.
2006-10-25 23:23:01
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answer #5
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answered by homosapien 3
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Ha... Means your getting too carried away with something... Like a guy goes head over heals for a girl... Too much involvment...
2006-10-25 23:07:04
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answer #6
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answered by thaheartoflife 2
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When you say it like "head over heels in love", it means you've fallen for someone big time...Good luck!!
2006-10-25 23:07:58
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answer #7
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answered by Amanda K 2
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People in love have their world upside down with love and get carried away without thinking of the consequences whether good or bad.
2006-10-25 23:12:54
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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haha! good point! excellent point!
I guess people who are inlove don't have to make too much sense so they invent phrases like that.
2006-10-25 23:14:04
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answer #9
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answered by Deep Thought 5
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that means that you could be head over heals in love with someone it means that you really like something.
2006-10-25 23:06:27
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answer #10
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answered by DAISY D 1
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