bonkers

American  

[bong-kerz] / ˈbɒŋ kərz /

adjective

Slang.

1. mentally unbalanced; mad; crazy.

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bonkers British  

/ ˈbɒŋkəz /

adjective

1. slang mad; crazy

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Usage

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."

Etymology

Origin of bonkers

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

Example Sentences

Initial reaction around the league was that the decision was bonkers.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

Jean has two personalities, he attests: “the peaceful one here, and the bonkers one onstage.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

Overall, “it’s absolutely bonkers across the metals space, with copper leading the group in base metals,” said Edward Meir, an analyst at Marex.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 29, 2026

The Patriots spent the first two decades of this century dominating the sport and making the league bonkers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 26, 2026

And whatever he was yelling about on the phone, it drove me crazy, because out on the ice everyone went bonkers when a fight broke out in the middle of a game.

From "Tradition" by Brendan Kiely