bonkers

[bong-kerz]

adjective

Slang.

1. mentally unbalanced; mad; crazy.

bonkers

/ ˈbɒŋkəz /

adjective

1. slang,  mad; crazy

Word History and Origins

Origin of bonkers¹

1945–50; of uncertain origin; for final element, -ers

Word History and Origins

Origin of bonkers¹

C20 (originally in the sense: slightly drunk, tipsy): of unknown origin

Example Sentences

"It was bonkers. It was hard to go to the loo," he told BBC 5Live Breakfast, "but it was a good evening."

From BBC

"She was always up for a new challenge. Totally run-of-the-mill for Sarm to just be doing something bonkers," one of her friends Zan tells me.

From BBC

Like many other supporters of geoengineering research, Dr Fitzgerald does not support deploying it on a large scale yet, and acknowledged that further investigation might indeed find that the ideas are "bonkers".

From BBC

She also thought the alternative to a school bus to Tadcaster was "bonkers".

From BBC

Mr Dolphin added the reason for the delay was "bonkers", considering the dangers posed by overhead electric wires.

From BBC

When To Use

Where does the word bonkers come from?

Bonkers is a funny-sounding word. It's a goofy, lighter, informal way to say "crazy" or "nuts”—but keep in mind that’s it not so fun to make fun of people’s mental health.Its origins are unclear, but bonkers is first recorded as British naval slang for "a bit drunk" in the 1940s—perhaps acting like someone has bonked, or hit, them on the head.The roots of these other words may get a rise—of laughter or surprise—out of you. Run on over to our roundup of them at "Weird Word Origins That Will Make Your Family Laugh."