wacko
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A person who is regarded as eccentric or mad: "Wacko" is an informal and often humorous term for someone whose behavior, ideas, or appearance is considered very strange, irrational, or crazy.
Usage
- Informal Register: This word is highly informal and can be considered offensive or disrespectful. It is typically used in casual conversation, not in formal or polite contexts.
- Descriptive Use: It is used to label or describe a person perceived as being very odd or mentally unstable.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- As a modifier: Sometimes used informally before a noun to describe something as crazy or extremely unconventional.
- He has some wacko ideas about teaching math using only interpretive dance.
Variants and Related Words
- Wacky (adj): Describing something or someone as eccentric or amusingly strange.
- The movie is a wacky comedy about a talking dog.
- Whacko: An alternative, less common spelling with the same meaning.
Synonyms
- Crackpot: A person with strange or crazy ideas.
- Lunatic: A person who is mentally ill (can be offensive); or someone who behaves very foolishly.
- Nutcase: A crazy or eccentric person (very informal).
- Eccentric: A person with unconventional and slightly strange views or behavior (often less offensive and can imply harmless peculiarity).
Antonyms
- Sane person: A person of sound mind; reasonable.
- Conformist: A person who conforms to accepted behavior or established practices.
- Rationalist: A person who bases their opinions and actions on reason and knowledge.
Notes on Usage
- Caution: Due to its informal and potentially derogatory nature, "wacko" should be used with care. It can stigmatize mental health conditions. In sensitive or professional contexts, more neutral terms like "eccentric" or descriptive phrases are preferred.
- Context: Its use often depends on tone; it can sometimes be used affectionately among friends to describe harmless oddity, but it is frequently pejorative.
Noun
- a person who is regarded as eccentric or mad