BONKERS Definition & Meaning

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bonkers

[bong-kerz]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

Slang.

mentally unbalanced; mad; crazy.

bonkers

/ ˈ��ɒŋ��ə�� /

adjective

slang��mad; crazy

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of bonkers¹

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

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of bonkers¹

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

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Sutton added: "To get someone in who wins them silverware, then straightaway get rid of him, that sums up modern football, doesn't it? It's absolutely bonkers."

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There was chaos, there were bodies colliding, players on the floor, coaches going bonkers.

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It was "bonkers", they added, to conduct a defence review without it being "nested" in a broader cross-government security review.

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First, there’s Trump’s executive order from April 11 that hasn’t made too many ripples, despite being a bonkers expansion of military authority over civilians.

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I love how Chelsea took it all in like it was a moderate level of crazy but not completely bonkers.

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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 51�Թ� Origins That Will Make Your Family Laugh."

bonkbuster bon marché

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