bonkers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bonkers" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used informally to describe something that is crazy, absurd, or nonsensical. Example: "After hearing his wild ideas for the project, I thought he was completely bonkers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was unbearable to watch Miliband (who might not be 100% my cup of tea in lots of ways, and some of his ideas are bonkers, but he is a genuine supporter of women and I'm sure he would put his hand on his heart and say he is a feminist) be lectured by Brand on the uselessness of the female vote.

The Guardian - Opinion

After Wikipedia administrators blocked an account of a user – Contribsx – they believed was linked to Grant Shapps, the Tory chairman gave a series of interviews, in which he said reports he was behind the account were "nonsense" and the "most bonkers story I think I've heard in this general election campaign".

The Guardian

In fact, the only part of the episode that came completely out of the blue was the fact that Charlotte Rampling would be playing a Rambo-esque lawyer forced out of retirement for one last job – but that's only because the whole idea sounded so completely bonkers.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In typically bonkers Fifa style, odd rules meant that the two seeded teams – Hungary and Turkey (the seedings, again with the rational thinking we've come to expect from football's governing body, having already been set before Turkey's play-off with Spain) – would not face each other, but play only against the two unseeded sides with the top two sides reaching the knockout stages.

The Guardian - Sport

"Anyone who plays top-level professional football and you don't have a pre-season, if you expect to start any game, you are bonkers, crackers.

The Guardian - Sport

We're shooting, effectively, a film in seven days, with over 100 scenes to do in seven days; it's bonkers, really.

The Guardian

Last December, Gill repeated the trick when he opened the Manor up the road, complete with a brilliantly bonkers dessert bar run by Fera's ex-pastry chef, and there are plans afoot for a bakery and deli.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

By coincidence - maybe it was not coincidence - I was asked to chair two successive events on the theme of "the bastards are bonkers".

The Guardian - Opinion

Referring to the Sun's infamous "Bonkers Bruno" headline, when the former world heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno was taken to a psychiatric hospital, he said: "No newspaper would dare to do that today".

The Guardian

I went a bit bonkers after having Rudy because pregnancy – not to mention sleep deprivation – messes with your mind.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Having some sane constituents (though if she is to be believed, she had some real bonkers ones, too) perhaps reined her in.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "bonkers" in formal or professional settings where a more serious tone is required. Opt for alternatives like "irrational" or "absurd".

Common error

While "bonkers" is a vivid and descriptive word, it's best to avoid it in formal writing or professional communications. Its informal nature can undermine the seriousness of your message. Instead, consider using more professional alternatives like "absurd", "irrational", or "unreasonable".

Linguistic Context

The word "bonkers" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe them as crazy, mad, or nonsensical. Ludwig AI shows examples of it being used to describe ideas, stories, and even leagues as being "bonkers".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Lifestyle

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "bonkers" is an adjective used informally to describe something as crazy or nonsensical. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, noting it is best suited for informal contexts and should be avoided in formal writing where more professional alternatives are preferred. Examples show its prevalence in news, lifestyle, and sports reporting. Though "bonkers" is prevalent, it's crucial to recognize its informal register and choose more appropriate alternatives for professional and formal scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crazy

A very common and versatile synonym for "bonkers", applicable in many situations.

crackers

A colloquial term, similar to "bonkers", suggesting mental instability or foolishness.

nuts

An informal and slightly milder version of "bonkers", often used humorously.

mad

A more direct and sometimes angrier term for "bonkers", implying irrationality.

loony

An informal term suggesting someone is eccentric or slightly mad.

batty

An informal term, similar to "bonkers", suggesting mental instability or foolishness.

insane

A more clinical or intense way to describe something as mentally unsound or completely unreasonable.

out of one's mind

Implies a temporary state of irrationality or foolishness.

ridiculous

Indicates something is silly and laughable, lacking seriousness or reason.

absurd

Describes something as ridiculous and illogical, rather than mentally unsound.

FAQs

What does the word "bonkers" mean?

The word "bonkers" means mad, crazy, or nonsensical. It's an informal term often used to describe something that is completely illogical or ridiculous.

How can I use "bonkers" in a sentence?

You can use "bonkers" to describe ideas, situations, or behaviors that are considered crazy or absurd. For example: "That idea is completely bonkers!" or "The traffic today was bonkers."

What are some alternatives to the word "bonkers"?

Alternatives to "bonkers" include "crazy", "insane", "mad", "nuts", or "absurd", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "bonkers" in formal writing?

No, "bonkers" is generally not appropriate for formal writing. It is an informal term best suited for casual conversation or informal writing. Use more formal alternatives like "irrational" or "unreasonable" in professional contexts.