If the first definition of the word “crazy” must have a place in the dictionary, make it the last definition:ģ. So, what is the solution? Many dictionaries are constantly being revised to accommodate the newest slang. “Come to Crazy Al’s used cars for the best deals”). It is a word that can be used to criticize an individual or group, keep a stigma in place or, when used in commercials, sell cars, sweets and even peanut butter (i.e. But, in a strange way, we see the first two meanings used to hurt some and benefit others. It is a word used without any serious thought or consideration. “Crazy” has been a word to portray those who suffer with mental illness as dangerous, weak, unpredictable, unproductive and incapable of rational behavior or relationships. Mental illness is an illness, even though some choose not to accept it. But in society, some often use the dictionary’s first definition to categorize and stigmatize a group of people who do not deserve such harsh treatment. I’ve had to listen to “armchair psychologists” define what “crazy” behavior is and in the same breath say what a “crazy” party they went to the night before. The word has, unfortunately, become commonplace, similar in some ways to the word “like,” which invaded our lexicon in the 80’s. Sometimes, it is the rather harmless definition often, it is not. But I do hear it, from family, friends and strangers-a mixture of the first two definitions of crazy. Then came a doctor’s visit, and a diagnosis, and “crazy” was not a word I ever wanted to hear again. And the word didn’t bother me until I graduated from high school. In my 50 years on this planet, I have heard that word used more times than I can count. What a word, and with two almost entirely different perspectives. Synonyms: passionate about, (very) keen on, enamored of, smitten with, devoted to, etc.
Informal: mental, nutty, bonkers, loopy, bats, raving mad, crackers, etc. Synonyms: mad, insane, mad as a March hare, deranged, lunatic, etc. Mentally deranged, especially as manifested in a wild and aggressive way. What follows is the definition and a few thoughts regarding its use in society. So, I consulted an online dictionary and found the definition of the word. Studies have shown that people living with mental illness are far more likely to be the victims of violent crimes than the perpetrators, but that doesn’t stop some in society from blaming us for almost every violent act reported.Īnd there is a word that has bothered me since I was a teen, and I hear it repeated almost daily, from people in power (who should be more thoughtful) and people on the street, sometimes many times a day. In the light of recent events, there has been a lot of focus on mental illness and it hasn’t been positive.
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