Barking mad

adjective

Completely crazy or very angry.

John was barking mad when he realised he had been pranked.
Visual representation of "barking mad" - Completely crazy or very angry

Often appears as...

  • going barking mad
  • drive someone barking mad

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

adjective

Highly excited or angry to the point of losing control.

The commentator went barking mad as the game reached its climax.
Visual representation of "barking mad" - Highly excited or angry to the point of losing control

Often appears as...

  • go barking mad
  • seem barking mad

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

adjective

Completely crazy or very angry.

John was barking mad when he realised he had been pranked.
Visual representation of "barking mad" - Completely crazy or very angry

Often appears as...

  • going barking mad
  • drive someone barking mad

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

adjective

Highly excited or angry to the point of losing control.

The commentator went barking mad as the game reached its climax.
Visual representation of "barking mad" - Highly excited or angry to the point of losing control

Often appears as...

  • go barking mad
  • seem barking mad

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "barking mad"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Exaggeration

Expresses extreme behavior; not always literal.

Illustration for Exaggeration
He's barking mad for collecting stamps, but he loves it.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Slang Usage

Used informally, not suitable in formal writing or speech.

Illustration for Slang Usage
I felt barking mad when my computer crashed again.
LampPro Tip 3/3

British Origin

Mainly used in the UK, might not be understood elsewhere.

Illustration for British Origin
Mum's barking mad for that British detective show.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Exaggeration

Expresses extreme behavior; not always literal.

Illustration for Exaggeration
He's barking mad for collecting stamps, but he loves it.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Slang Usage

Used informally, not suitable in formal writing or speech.

Illustration for Slang Usage
I felt barking mad when my computer crashed again.
LampPro Tip 3/3

British Origin

Mainly used in the UK, might not be understood elsewhere.

Illustration for British Origin
Mum's barking mad for that British detective show.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Exaggeration

Expresses extreme behavior; not always literal.

Illustration for Exaggeration
He's barking mad for collecting stamps, but he loves it.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Slang Usage

Used informally, not suitable in formal writing or speech.

Illustration for Slang Usage
I felt barking mad when my computer crashed again.
LampPro Tip 3/3

British Origin

Mainly used in the UK, might not be understood elsewhere.

Illustration for British Origin
Mum's barking mad for that British detective show.
Visual representation of the word "Barking mad"

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