Barking mad

usgb
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

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "barking mad"
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Exaggeration

Expresses extreme behavior; not always literal.

Illustration for Exaggeration
He's barking mad for collecting stamps, but he loves it.
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Slang Usage

Used informally, not suitable in formal writing or speech.

Illustration for Slang Usage
I felt barking mad when my computer crashed again.
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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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