batshit

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'batshit' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an informal expression which is often used to mean 'crazy' or 'very strange'. For example, you could say: "The instructions she gave us were completely batshit!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's no wonder Monáe's outré ways have raised a few eyebrows, most notably from the NME which, on coming face to face with her, concluded that she was "a little bit batshit".

Independent

The first time we played the remix in the club, people went batshit.

The New Yorker

As soon as they were removed from the quarantine zone they went batshit, trying everything they could to break free, to return.

The New Yorker

She could have caught you with one sucia, she could have caught you with two, but because you're a totally batshit cuero who never empties his e-mail trash can, she caught you with fifty!

The New Yorker

But once he was home, in January, 2007, "he went batshit," Kellee said.

The New Yorker

The place went batshit.

Independent

But with his current romancing of the batshit and brilliant ubercelebrity Mariah Carey, James has formally announced himself as a person of interest.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's what makes romcoms so appealing; frothy, batshit fantasy projected as real-life relationship goals – if your real-life relationship goals include normalising obsessive jealousy and being serially spied on.

The Guardian - Opinion

So Tumblr came up with a solution: what if, instead of release notes, there was some batshit fanfic about the company's own chief executive, David Karp? No, wait, hear me out.

The Guardian - Tech

Ask yourself, who's making a profit, it's all about power and money, wind farms and solar panels – and batshit crazy catastrophists lying about extinct polar bears.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Abitbol said, "People, before they met them, were, like, 'So, now they're not batshit-crazy gay haters and we're supposed to love them?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "batshit" sparingly and be aware of your audience. While it can add emphasis in informal contexts, it is generally inappropriate for professional or formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "batshit" in formal writing or when addressing individuals in positions of authority. Its informal nature can be perceived as disrespectful or unprofessional.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "batshit" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something as extremely crazy or irrational. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, often to emphasize the intensity of a situation or characteristic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "batshit" functions primarily as an adjective to describe extreme irrationality, craziness, or chaos. While grammatically correct, its usage is confined to informal contexts due to its strong, potentially vulgar nature. Ludwig confirms its prevalence in News & Media sources, but advises caution in formal settings. Related phrases include "insane", "crazy", and "unhinged", offering alternatives with varying degrees of intensity. When using "batshit", remember the audience and choose more appropriate synonyms for formal or professional communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crazy

A common and versatile term for irrational or eccentric behavior.

nuts

A colloquial term for being crazy or irrational.

insane

A more clinical and less vulgar term for being mentally deranged.

unhinged

Suggests a loss of emotional stability or mental balance.

mad

Implies a state of mental imbalance or extreme anger.

deranged

Implies a severe mental disorder.

out of one's mind

Suggests a temporary loss of reason or control.

off the rails

Indicates a situation or person that has become uncontrolled or chaotic.

bonkers

A British slang term for being slightly mad or eccentric.

loony

Suggests foolish or eccentric behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "batshit" in a sentence?

You can use "batshit" to describe something extremely crazy or irrational. For example, "The plot of that movie was completely batshit".

What can I say instead of "batshit"?

You can use alternatives like "insane", "crazy", or "unhinged" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "batshit" in professional communication?

No, "batshit" is generally not appropriate for professional communication due to its informal and somewhat vulgar nature. Use more formal alternatives in such contexts.

What is the difference between "batshit" and "crazy"?

"Batshit" is a more intense and vulgar way of saying "crazy". While both describe irrationality, "batshit" carries a stronger emotional charge.