barmy

[bahr-mee]

adjective

barmier, barmiest 

1. containing or resembling barm; frothy.

2. British Slang.,  balmy.

barmy

/ ˈbɑːmɪ /

adjective

1. Also: balmy. slang,  eccentric or foolish

Word History and Origins

Origin of barmy¹

1525–35; barm + -y ¹; barmy def. 2 probably respelling of balmy by r-less speakers

Word History and Origins

Origin of barmy¹

C16: originally, full of _barm , hence frothing, excited, flighty, etc

Example Sentences

How barmy is it to fly thousands of people half-way around the world to sit in giant air-conditioned tents to argue about commas, and interpretations of convoluted words?

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In practice, it was, well, a bit barmy.

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There has been great analysis and the usual knockabout stuff that is essential to Calcutta Cup week, but the hot takes in the build-up have bordered on the barmy.

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Talk of tacking to the right is "barmy", said one MP.

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Opponents include former prime ministers Boris Johnson, who has called the plans "barmy", and Liz Truss, who is expected to warn against "banning things" in the Commons debate.

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