crazy

Crazy is an English adjective with several related meanings. In clinical or formal usage, it can describe someone who is mentally ill or severely deluded. In everyday speech, it is more commonly used informally to describe actions, events, or ideas that are extreme, unexpected, or bizarre. As a slang term, it often adds emphasis, as in “that’s crazy!” or “let’s go crazy with the decorations,” though such usage can blur the line with mental health language.

Etymology and evolution: The adjective derives from the noun craze, meaning frenzy, feverish enthusiasm, or madness. The sense extended from a focus on mental state to broader ideas of intensity and irrationality, and it appears in English from the Middle Ages, becoming widespread in modern usage.

Usage and social considerations: Because “crazy” has historically been used to label people with mental health conditions, it can reinforce stigma. Many health professionals and advocacy groups encourage avoiding casual use to describe individuals. Alternatives include more precise terms such as “mentally ill” or “unwell,” or simply describing the behavior as “extreme,” “unusual,” or “irrational” without attributing it to a person’s identity.

Cultural presence: The word appears frequently in music, film, and media to convey energy, unpredictability, or risk. Its versatility in slang reflects evolving attitudes toward mental health and behavior, but interpretation depends on context, audience, and sensitivity to stigma.