crazy string

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crazy string" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a string of text or characters that is nonsensical, chaotic, or difficult to interpret. Example: "The error message contained a crazy string of letters and numbers that made no sense to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Basically, were it not for AWS, it doesn't look like Amazon would have had the crazy string of profits that it had during its multiple-quarter run.

TechCrunch

I knew a dongle bluDANGLES and he'd connect for you And had a crazy string With silver case, a tiny mic, and and an LED The oddest thing He it clipped to your shirt, clipped to your shirt So it never touched down.

TechCrunch

I ended up with a South African man on this crazy string of adventures.

Vice

Play tag with crazy string!

WikiHow

Crazy string is also known as silly string.

WikiHow

Sneak and run around, shooting each other with crazy string!

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"It was just getting to the point where it was really crazy". Stringing mini rubber bands together to make a bracelet may seem harmless, but administrators at P.S. 107 said that loom band mania was getting in the way of learning.

HuffPost

Great, funky rhythm-section playing, crazy, overblown string arrangements".

Wikipedia

Sam wrote in to say "here's one from a Japanese T-shirt — probably more of a crazy word-string than a true sentence, but I'm loopy so it counts: ELECTRIC RESPONSE BEATNIK REBEL BLOOD TRANSLUCENT FUTURE" Beat that, readers.

The New York Times

B is less a true sentence than a crazy word-string; D is a sharp simile but uses the word "akin," which I've never liked the sound of; E is an intentionally wretched metaphor; H is too tragic; I delights me, but for reasons I can't articulate (I think I just love the name "Floyd Flake J; J is lovely ("tears are the very wine of blessedness") but slightly purple.

The New York Times

By David Denby Self-memorialization can be a drag, obsessive in-joking can be a bigger drag, and "crazy" comedies that string together casual episodes and smart-ass cameo performances by big stars can be the biggest drag of all.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "crazy string", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a literal string or using it metaphorically to describe a series of events or items.

Common error

Avoid using "crazy string" in formal contexts where a more precise or professional term is appropriate, as it can be perceived as too informal or vague. Ensure that you provide sufficient context to differentiate between the literal and the figurative meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crazy string" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "crazy" modifies the noun "string". It can describe both literal strings (like in the context of a party supply) and, more commonly, as seen by Ludwig, a figurative series or sequence of events.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "crazy string" functions as an adjective-noun combination, commonly used informally to describe a chaotic or nonsensical sequence, as confirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically correct, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "unpredictable series" in professional contexts. Ludwig's analysis indicates its frequent usage in Wiki and News & Media sources, suggesting a generally informal register. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clarifies whether you mean a literal string or a figurative series of events. The phrase's communicative purpose is to highlight the unpredictable and unconventional nature of the subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wild series

Replaces 'crazy' with 'wild' and 'string' with 'series', altering the imagery slightly but retaining the sense of unpredictability.

bizarre sequence

Substitutes 'crazy' with 'bizarre' and 'string' with 'sequence', emphasizing the odd or unconventional nature of the series.

absurd chain

Replaces 'crazy' with 'absurd' and 'string' with 'chain', highlighting the illogical or unreasonable aspect.

unhinged set

Replaces 'crazy' with 'unhinged' and 'string' with 'set' suggesting a lack of control or stability.

irrational line

Changes 'crazy' to 'irrational' and 'string' to 'line', focusing on the lack of reason or logic.

manic progression

Substitutes 'crazy' with 'manic' and 'string' with 'progression', indicating a frenzied or excited development.

eccentric run

Replaces 'crazy' with 'eccentric' and 'string' with 'run', emphasizing the unconventional or peculiar nature.

unpredictable course

Changes 'crazy' to 'unpredictable' and 'string' to 'course' focusing on uncertainty.

outlandish succession

Replaces 'crazy' with 'outlandish' and 'string' with 'succession', emphasizing the strangeness and unexpectedness.

nonsensical series

Replaces 'crazy' with 'nonsensical', underlining the lack of meaning or coherence.

FAQs

How can "crazy string" be used in a sentence?

You can use "crazy string" to describe a chaotic sequence of events, like in the sentence, "After my dad died I kind of flipped out. I ended up with a South African man on this crazy string of adventures."

What's another way to say "crazy string"?

Alternatives to "crazy string" include "wild series", "bizarre sequence", or "absurd chain", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "crazy string" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "crazy string" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, consider using more precise terms like "unpredictable sequence" or "unconventional series".

What is the difference between "crazy string" and "silly string"?

"Crazy string" is a more general term for a chaotic sequence, while "silly string" refers to a specific type of party supply that is a foam-like substance sprayed from a can. So, while it could be confused, they are completely different.