Definition of 'barmy'

Word Frequency

barmy

(bɑːʳmi )

Word forms: comparative barmier , superlative barmiest

adjective

If you say that someone or something is barmy, you mean that they are slightly crazy or very foolish.

[British, informal, disapproval]

Bill used to say I was barmy, and that would really get to me.

This policy is absolutely barmy.

...a barmy idea.

Synonyms: stupid, bizarre, foolish, silly More Synonyms of barmy

More Synonyms of barmy

Word Frequency

barmy in British

(ˈbɑːmɪ )

adjectiveWord forms: -mier or -miest

slang

eccentric or foolish

Also: balmy

Word origin of 'barmy'

C16: originally, full of barm, hence frothing, excited, flighty, etc

Word Frequency

barmy in American

(ˈbɑrmi ; bärmˈē)

adjectiveWord forms: ˈbarmier or ˈbarmiest

full of barm; yeasty or foamy

2. British, Slang

crazy

Example sentences containing 'barmy'

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…

It's time this Government made a stand and refused to implement such a barmy policy. The Sun (2017)This barmy policy seems to be a waste of energy. The Sun (2013)You will go completely barmy after a day or two. Times, Sunday Times (2014)It was just political correctness gone completely barmy. The Sun (2007)And once again this barmy idea that they are a boring team plodding up the field was taken apart. Times, Sunday Times (2016)He it was who conceived the slightly barmy idea of using the Monument as a telescope. Times, Sunday Times (2009)These are the barmy ideas of overpaid senior officers with topsy-turvy priorities. The Sun (2015)I stayed for a year on my own and went absolutely barmy. Times, Sunday Times (2006)So it's not completely barmy. Times, Sunday Times (2009)I think it's an absolutely barmy idea. Times, Sunday Times (2008)This barmy idea is policy of governments past and present but will put English gardeners at a disadvantage and export yet more horticulture jobs abroad. The Sun (2011)You have a huge following and some popular - if barmy - ideas. The Sun (2015)Their barmy idea will arouse fury in the North and South. The Sun (2008)Before asking whether it is a barmy idea, let's look at the context. Times, Sunday Times (2016)It was completely barmy to get married at 23. Not the right thing to have done at all. Times, Sunday Times (2010)I haven't gone completely barmy. The Sun (2015)Surely the cash spent on this barmy idea could be put to better causes, such as our troops' kit? The Sun (2009)He said: 'It is barmy. The Sun (2014)A spokeswoman said: 'It was barmy. The Sun (2008)Barmy idea - and I was too expensive? Times, Sunday Times (2008)Meanwhile, all over the country, councils are dreaming up new and increasingly barmy ideas to squeeze a few more lumps of money from motorists. Times, Sunday Times (2008)

Trends of 'barmy'

Used Rarely. barmy is in the lower 50% of commonly used words in the Collins dictionary

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Nearby words of 'barmy'

Source

Definition of barmy from the Collins English Dictionary

Verbal nouns

The verbal noun is the -ing form, i.e. the present participle of the verb, used as a noun. It can be used in all the places that a noun can be used, but still keeps some characteristics of the verb. ...