bunch of kooks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bunch of kooks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used informally to describe a group of people who are considered eccentric or crazy. Example: "The conspiracy theorists gathered in the park, and it was clear they were just a bunch of kooks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Media accounts regularly portrayed the extreme fans as a bunch of kooks.

The New York Times - Magazine

Perhaps we environmentalists are a bunch of kooks looking for a problem in our all-too-perfect society of consumption.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He surprised a group that had set up a commune outside Nashville by not filing a story that described them as a bunch of kooks but engaging them in colloquy and saying to one of them, "I assume you people are trying to discover the pure state".

The New York Times - Books

Flirting with ridiculous positions like this might fire up base voters on the Internet and talk radio, but it makes the rest of the country think the GOP is in league with a bunch of kooks.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The authors of "Political Beliefs," Lloyd A. Free and Hadley Cantril, noted that nearly half of those voters were college-educated, and asserted that "the impression that Goldwater supporters were 'a bunch of ignorant kooks' is ridiculous".

The New Yorker

It's tempting to write off collectors of Nazi memorabilia as a bunch of fascist kooks swapping party favors.

Forbes

"I get a lot of kooks writing me," he explained.

The New Yorker

The front office assembled a bunch of kids and kooks without rhyme or reason.

Los Angeles Times

"Aren't most Alaskan Independence Party members a bunch of radicals and Kooks?" the party itself posits on its website.

Huffington Post

Workplace full of kooks.

The New York Times - Arts

"They thought we were kooks, but there's lots of kooks in these meetings.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid being misunderstood use the phrase to describe people's ideas and actions instead of the people themselves.

Common error

Be mindful that using "bunch of kooks" can sound condescending. Opt for more neutral or descriptive language if your goal is to understand or engage with the group in question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bunch of kooks" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI analysis shows it is often used to label or categorize groups perceived as eccentric or unconventional.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bunch of kooks" is a noun phrase used informally to describe a group of people viewed as eccentric or crazy. Ludwig AI confirms that while grammatically correct, it carries a negative connotation and should be used with caution, especially in formal settings. The phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media, and academic contexts. If you're aiming for a more neutral or professional tone, consider alternatives such as "group of eccentrics" or "unconventional people".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

group of eccentrics

Replaces "bunch" with "group" and "kooks" with a synonym, maintaining a similar negative connotation.

collection of oddballs

Substitutes "bunch" with "collection" and "kooks" with "oddballs", softening the negative tone slightly.

set of weirdos

Uses "set" instead of "bunch" and replaces "kooks" with the more informal "weirdos".

band of crazies

Employs "band" as a substitute for "bunch" and "crazies" for "kooks", intensifying the informal and slightly derogatory nature.

assembly of crackpots

Offers a more formal alternative, replacing "bunch" with "assembly" and "kooks" with the less common "crackpots".

gaggle of odd ducks

Replaces "kooks" with the idiomatic expression "odd ducks", giving a whimsical tone.

flock of fruitcakes

Similar to "odd ducks", this replaces "kooks" with "fruitcakes", adding a quirky and lighthearted feel.

cluster of radicals

Substitutes "kooks" with "radicals", focusing on the unconventional and possibly extreme nature of their views.

crowd of unconventional people

A more neutral alternative, replacing the loaded term "kooks" with a descriptive phrase.

group of nonconformists

Offers a positive spin, portraying the individuals as independent thinkers rather than simply eccentric.

FAQs

How can I use "bunch of kooks" in a sentence?

You can use "bunch of kooks" to describe a group of people perceived as eccentric or unconventional, as in, "The media often portrayed the group as a "bunch of kooks".

What's a less offensive alternative to "bunch of kooks"?

Consider using alternatives such as "group of eccentrics", "collection of oddballs", or "unconventional people" to avoid causing offense.

Is it appropriate to use "bunch of kooks" in formal writing?

No, "bunch of kooks" is generally too informal and potentially offensive for formal writing. Opt for more professional language.

What connotations does "bunch of kooks" carry?

"Bunch of kooks" typically carries negative connotations, implying that the individuals in question are not only eccentric but also foolish or misguided. Therefore, be mindful of the tone when using the phrase.