calling him crazy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "calling him crazy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's opinion or judgment about another person's mental state or behavior. Example: "She was frustrated because everyone was calling him crazy for his unconventional ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

When the argument is framed like this, don't be surprised if conservatives, having insisted that we not medicalize Major Hasan's crime by calling him crazy, start underscoring his craziness.

The New York Times

She shook her head, calling him "crazy".

The New York Times

Graham rather obviously didn't like Trump, calling him crazy and unqualified during the 2016 campaign.

The Washington Post

He had back surgery in September and returned to play eight weeks later, despite his surgeon calling him "crazy" for playing football again.

The New York Times - Sports

When officialdom and the media are calling him crazy, that's when Jones figures he's hit his stride.

Los Angeles Times

During the meeting, Trump reportedly bragged about firing Comey, calling him "crazy" and "a real nut job," and said the decision lessened "great pressure because of Russia".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

His friends called him crazy.

The New York Times

"I wouldn't call him crazy.

The New York Times

If a blond man killed cartoonists for caricaturing blonds, he argued, people would call him crazy.

The New Yorker

Some government supporters passionately back Mr. Assad, but others call him "crazy" or the lesser of two evils.

The New York Times

Mr. O'Toole said he had no plans to leave Broad Channel, though some of his friends called him crazy for it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and the potential impact of using the phrase "calling him crazy". Ensure it accurately reflects the situation and avoids stigmatizing mental health conditions.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "calling him crazy" as a descriptor. Explore more nuanced language that captures the specific behaviors or characteristics you're trying to convey, such as "eccentric", "irrational", or "unpredictable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "calling him crazy" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a larger sentence structure. It describes the act of someone labeling another person as "crazy". Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

9%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "calling him crazy" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe someone labeling another person as irrational or mentally unstable. Ludwig AI confirms this. While the phrase is valid, it's important to consider the context and potential implications, as it can be stigmatizing. More formal or nuanced alternatives may be preferable in certain situations. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

believing him to be out of his mind

Suggests a complete detachment from reality.

labeling him insane

Focuses on a more clinical or formal assessment of mental instability.

viewing him as deranged

Implies a more severe form of mental disturbance.

deeming him mad

Uses a more archaic or literary term for insanity.

thinking him unbalanced

Indicates a lack of emotional or mental stability.

perceiving him as unstable

Highlights the unpredictable nature of his behavior.

considering him irrational

Emphasizes the lack of logical thought or reason.

describing him as loony

Employs a colloquial term for craziness.

regarding him as eccentric

Suggests unconventional behavior without necessarily implying mental instability.

judging him as daft

Uses a more informal and lighthearted term for foolishness or silliness.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "calling him crazy"?

Saying someone is "calling him crazy" means they are labeling or describing the person as irrational, eccentric, or mentally unstable. It implies a judgment about the person's mental state or behavior.

What can I say instead of "calling him crazy"?

You can use alternatives like "labeling him insane", "deeming him mad", or "considering him irrational" depending on the specific context and intended meaning.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "calling him crazy" in formal writing?

The phrase "calling him crazy" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's best to use more precise and respectful language to describe someone's behavior or mental state. Consider alternatives like "assessing him as irrational" or "describing his behavior as erratic".

What are the implications of "calling him crazy"?

The phrase "calling him crazy" can be stigmatizing and may contribute to negative perceptions of mental illness. It's important to use such language carefully and consider the potential impact on the individual being described.