stark raving mad

Idioms  

1. Totally crazy, as in The constant uncertainty over his job is making him stark raving mad. This term, meaning “completely wildly insane,” is used both hyperbolically and literally. Versions of this expression appear to have sprung from the minds of great literary figures. Stark mad was first recorded by poet John Skelton in 1489; stark raving was first recorded by playwright John Beaumont in 1648; stark staring mad was first used by John Dryden in 1693. The current wording, stark raving mad, first appeared in Henry Fielding's The Intriguing Chambermaid in 1734.

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Example Sentences

He looked at me as if I was stark raving mad.

From BBC • Nov. 24, 2023

The truth is it drove him stark raving mad.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2019

It looked to them like we’d gone stark raving mad.

From Forbes • Apr. 7, 2015

They express frustration, anger and often helplessness — powerful emotions that come from the constant onslaught of a culture that has gone stark raving mad.

From Washington Times • Jun. 3, 2014

“I could use a breather anyhow. Puttin' in damp courses is a killer. I must be stark raving mad doin' it meself.”

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell

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