go bananas

USAGE SUMMARY

"go bananas" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean to become very excited or enthusiastic about something. For example: "I'm going bananas over the news that I got a job!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They go bananas".

The New York Times - Magazine

Go bananas and don't even care.

Independent

I know: it's nothing to go bananas about.

The New York Times

Since people go bananas whenever Facebook changes its look, there's been massive outrage.

The New Yorker

An end to subsidised Shakespeare and free access to The Gruffalo, and they all go bananas.

The Guardian - Opinion

He has to go bananas in restaurants where meat plays a prominent role?

The New York Times

We may not be able to go bananas for much longer.

The Guardian

Every time Sam's Club gets a mention at Wal-Mart's annual meeting, these people go bananas.

The Guardian - Business

"I mean, some people just can't use marijuana: it makes them go bananas.

The New Yorker

I go bananas when I hear an opinion that goes against well-established political science literature.

The Guardian - Opinion

But if I kicked off my shoes and curled my feet up on the couch, he'd go bananas.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go bananas" to add vividness and informality to your writing, especially when describing someone's intense reaction to something unexpected or exciting.

Common error

Avoid using "go bananas" in formal reports or academic papers where a more neutral and professional tone is required. Opt for phrases like "become extremely excited" or "react strongly" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go bananas" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It's used to describe a state of intense emotion, often excitement or anger, as Ludwig AI confirms with numerous examples. It conveys a loss of control or a highly animated reaction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Lifestyle

25%

Music

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "go bananas" is a very common and versatile phrase used to describe a state of extreme excitement, anger, or irrationality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, although more appropriate for informal contexts. While alternatives like "go crazy" or "lose it" exist, "go bananas" offers a particularly vivid and expressive way to convey a strong emotional reaction. Remember to reserve it for situations where its informal tone is suitable, and avoid overusing it in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go ape

Very similar in meaning and intensity, also uses animalistic imagery.

go crazy

A more general term for losing control, lacks the specific imagery of "bananas".

lose it

Indicates a sudden loss of composure, similar in intensity but less colorful.

lose your mind

Emphasizes the mental aspect of losing control.

go mad

Emphasizes anger or mental instability more strongly.

flip out

Suggests a sudden and often unexpected outburst.

go wild

Focuses on unrestrained behavior, often in a positive or celebratory context.

fly off the handle

Describes a sudden and uncontrolled burst of anger.

get carried away

Suggests a loss of control due to excitement or enthusiasm.

be ecstatic

Focuses solely on extreme happiness and excitement, omitting potential negative connotations.

FAQs

What does "go bananas" mean?

The idiom "go bananas" means to become extremely excited, angry, or irrational. It implies a loss of control over one's emotions or behavior.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "go bananas"?

It's appropriate in informal settings when you want to express a strong emotional reaction in a colorful way. Avoid it in formal or professional contexts where a more neutral tone is preferred.

What are some alternatives to "go bananas"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "go crazy", "lose it", or "flip out".

Is it grammatically correct to say "gone bananas"?

While "gone bananas" might be understood, the standard idiom is "go bananas". Using "gone" instead of "go" is less common and might sound awkward to some native English speakers.