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, cf. -ers

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bonkers

Watch an unhinged new thriller: Verity, starring Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett, brings Colleen Hoover’s most bonkers book to the big screen.

From Slate ● Oct. 5, 2026

The Earth all but shifted on its axis following this, due to the breathtakingly bonkers discourse that followed the incident.

From Salon ● Sep. 8, 2026

Reacting to Vance's comments about the Antichrist, Dreher said: "This might sound bonkers to someone who is outside the Christian religion, but it is a very, very common belief within Christianity."

From BBC ● Sep. 3, 2026

Nor is it entirely their spending—though that’s bonkers, too, a princely payroll that’s pushing beyond $400 million, or nearly five times what the plucky Guardians pay to field a team in Cleveland.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 2026

“Well, that boy is bonkers, but he is a smart one.”

From "Fish in a Tree" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

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