PhrasesHub

Barking mad

    Definitions

      • craziness or insanity
        To describe someone or something as extremely foolish, irrational, or mentally unstable.

      • extreme anger or frustration
        To express intense frustration or anger towards someone or something.

    Examples of Barking mad

    • "The person who suggested we climb Mount Everest wearing roller skates is barking mad!"

      This idiom is used to describe someone who is behaving in an extremely irrational or crazy way. The phrase "barking mad" comes from the idea that a person who is completely out of their mind might start barking like a dog. In this example, the person suggesting such a dangerous and daring idea is being compared to a crazy person, as the idea of climbing Mount Everest wearing roller skates is completely impractical and dangerous.

    • "The boss asked us to finish the project in a week. I'm pretty sure he's barking mad!"

      This idiom is used to describe someone who is making an unreasonable or impossible demand. In this example, the boss is asking the team to complete a project in an extremely short amount of time, which is considered an unrealistic expectation. It's almost as if the boss is behaving in a crazy or irrational way for making such an impossible demand.

    • "The dog let out a series of loud barks as soon as I walked in the door. He's barking mad because he thinks I've been away for days!"

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where the behavior of a person or an animal seems completely out of place or unexpected. In this example, the dog is barking incessantly as soon as the owner enters the house, even though the owner has just been gone for a short period of time. The use of the idiom "barking mad" here highlights the fact that the dog's behavior is unexpected and a little crazy.

    • "I can't believe I just spent $500 on a necklace that's completely barking mad!"

      This idiom is used to describe something that is completely unnecessary or frivolous. In this example, the person has spent an exorbitant amount of money on a necklace that is considered impractical or extravagant. The use of the idiom "barking mad" here highlights the fact that the expense is completely unnecessary and a little crazy.

    • The suggestion that we should build a wall around the entire country is barking mad.

      To call an idea or proposal "barking mad" means that it is completely insane or absurd. In this example, the suggestion to build a wall around an entire country is seen as extremely unrealistic and impractical, to the point of being ridiculous.

    • My aunt insists that she can communicate with ghosts via her pet parrot. I think she's barking mad.

      Just like in the previous example, to call someone "barking mad" implies that they are acting or thinking in a way that is so irrational or unreasonable that it borders on insanity. In this case, the speaker is implying that their aunt's belief in communicating with ghosts through a parrot is so wild and far-fetched that it is essentially equivalent to being crazy.

    • The tabloid headline claimed that a group of aliens had invaded a small town, and the mayor was advising the citizens to stock up on tinfoil hats in preparation. I can't help but think that the mayor is barking mad.

      "Barking mad" is often used with exaggerated situations or hyperbole, such as an invasion by aliens in this example. The implication is that the call to action for the citizens to wear tinfoil hats is so extreme and unrealistic that it can only be seen as a symptom of insanity or completely irrational behavior.

    • The CEO announced a new policy that all employees must wear clown costumes to work. I'm starting to think that the guy is barking mad.

      To say that someone is "barking mad" in the context of work or business implies that they are behaving in a way that is so irrational, absurd, or impractical that it is having a negative impact on the organization or the people working under them. In this case, the CEO's policy of requiring all employees to wear clown costumes to work is clearly seen as far-fetched, impractical, and likely to cause problems or confusion. It would be easy to assume that the CEO is losing touch with reality or is experiencing some kind of mental health issue.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "barking mad" is typically used to describe someone or something as being extremely foolish, irrational, or mentally unstable. It can also be used to express intense frustration or anger towards a person or situation. Both meanings convey a sense of extreme and irrational behavior.

    In the first usage, "barking mad" is often used to describe someone who is acting in a nonsensical or illogical manner, displaying behaviors that are considered abnormal or irrational. This can be used to describe someone who is behaving erratically or unpredictably, or someone who is displaying signs of mental illness.

    In the second usage, "barking mad" is used to express intense frustration or anger towards a person or situation. It conveys a sense of being overwhelmed or pushed to one's limits, leading to a state of irrationality or loss of control. This can be seen in phrases like "I was barking mad when I found out they had cancelled the event" or "She was barking mad when she saw the mess in the kitchen."

    Origin of "Barking mad"

    The origin of the idiom "barking mad" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in Britain in the early 20th century. The word "bark" has been used since the 16th century to describe the sound that a dog makes, and "mad" has been used since the 14th century to mean insane or mentally disturbed.

    One theory suggests that the phrase may have originated from the behavior of dogs, who often bark excessively when they are agitated or angry. This behavior may have been seen as a sign of madness or irrationality, leading to the phrase "barking mad" to describe someone who is displaying similar behaviors.

    Another theory suggests that the phrase may have originated from the slang term "barking iron," which was used in the 19th century to refer to a pistol. This term may have evolved to "barking mad" as a way to describe someone who is acting aggressively or violently, similar to the behavior of a barking dog.

    Regardless of its exact origin, "barking mad" has become a common idiom in the English language, used to describe extreme states of irrationality or frustration. It is a colorful and expressive phrase that continues to be used in both colloquial and formal contexts.