crazy talk

USAGE SUMMARY

"crazy talk" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a figure of speech to describe something that is nonsense or unrealistic. For example, "He was spouting off crazy talk about turning lead into gold."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was crazy talk.

The New York Times

That's crazy talk.

The New York Times

But that's just crazy talk.

The New Yorker

The other is the relatively small amount of ranting and crazy talk.

The New York Times

"I will attempt to prove this through misquotes, malicious lies, and just plumb crazy talk".

The New Yorker

It is tempting to call this "crazy talk" and unserious bluster.

The New York Times

But for some reason in the current political climate this is considered crazy talk.

The Economist

This is not the first time that the Pope has upset Catholics with crazy talk about kindness and patience.

Independent

Mr. Podhoretz, in short, is engaging in what my relatives call crazy talk.

The New York Times

Some of it is plain crazy — talk about a Fed conspiracy and the like.

The New Yorker

In other words, once our cowboys have talked their crazy talk, they have to walk their crazy walk.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crazy talk" to dismiss arguments or ideas that seem unrealistic, illogical, or unfounded. It's often more effective when responding to specific claims rather than vaguely criticizing a broader viewpoint.

Common error

Avoid using "crazy talk" in formal writing or professional settings, as it can sound dismissive and unprofessional. Opt for more precise and respectful language to express disagreement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "crazy talk" is as a noun phrase that describes a type of speech or communication. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is used to refer to ideas or statements considered nonsensical or unrealistic. It typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "crazy talk" is a commonly used noun phrase to dismiss ideas or statements considered nonsensical or unrealistic. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. Its register is generally neutral to informal, and it appears most frequently in News & Media. While "crazy talk" is a useful term for expressing disbelief or disagreement, it's important to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal language in professional settings. Consider alternatives such as "baseless claims" or "unfounded assertions" for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Nonsense

This is a simple, direct term for something considered foolish or untrue.

Rubbish

This term implies the statement is worthless or untrue, especially in British English.

Balderdash

This is an older, somewhat humorous term for nonsensical talk.

Poppycock

A more playful term for statements that are obviously untrue or foolish.

Hogwash

Implies the statement is not only untrue but also insulting in its foolishness.

Absurdity

Highlights the ridiculous or illogical nature of the statement.

Preposterous claims

Emphasizes that the claims are beyond belief and likely false.

Outlandish remarks

Highlights that the remarks are bizarre or unconventional, and therefore likely untrue.

Unfounded assertions

Stresses that the assertions lack a factual basis.

Irrational speech

Focuses on the illogical and unreasonable nature of the talk.

FAQs

How can I use "crazy talk" in a sentence?

You can use "crazy talk" to dismiss ideas you think are unrealistic, nonsensical, or unfounded. For example, "His proposal to eliminate taxes is just "crazy talk"".

What's a more formal alternative to "crazy talk"?

Instead of "crazy talk", consider using more formal alternatives like "baseless claims", "unfounded assertions", or "irrational arguments", depending on the specific context and what aspect you want to emphasize.

Is "crazy talk" appropriate for academic writing?

Generally, no. "Crazy talk" is informal. In academic writing, it's better to use more precise and objective language, such as "unsubstantiated claims" or "logically flawed reasoning".

What is the difference between "crazy talk" and "ridiculous talk"?

"Crazy talk" implies nonsensical or irrational ideas, while "ridiculous talk" suggests ideas that are absurd and laughable. The former focuses on the lack of logic, the latter on the extreme absurdity.