nutcase
B2Informal, slang
Definition
Meaning
A person who is insane or behaves in a very foolish or eccentric way.
An informal, often humorous term for someone whose ideas or actions are extremely irrational, unconventional, or seemingly crazy.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Derogatory or humorous, implies a severe lack of sanity or rationality. Can be used affectionately in familiar contexts among friends. Not suitable for formal or sensitive contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Used in both varieties with similar meaning and register. No significant difference in definition.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be used with humorous affection in UK English. In US English, can sound slightly dated or like '80s/'90s slang.
Frequency
Moderately common in both, though somewhat declining in favor of terms like 'weirdo' or 'loon'.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
He is a [nutcase].What a [nutcase]!Don't be such a [nutcase].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A few sandwiches short of a picnic (similar implication of madness)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Highly inappropriate. Would damage professional tone.
Academic
Completely inappropriate for scholarly writing.
Everyday
Common in casual conversation among friends/family, often humorously.
Technical
Not used. Clinical terms like 'psychotic' or 'delusional' are used instead.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- That was a completely nutcase idea. (informal, rare)
American English
- He's got some nutcase theories. (informal, rare)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My uncle is a bit of a nutcase.
- Only a real nutcase would go swimming in the sea in winter!
- The film's villain is a dangerous nutcase with a bizarre plan to take over the city.
- While his economic policies were dismissed by mainstream analysts as the ramblings of a nutcase, they surprisingly gained a cult following online.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CASE (container) full of NUTs (slang for crazy person). A case for holding a crazy person.
Conceptual Metaphor
INSANITY IS A CONTAINER (the 'case' holds the 'nuts' or madness).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as "ореховый ящик".
- The closest colloquial equivalents are "чокнутый", "псих", or "шизик", but note the register is informal/slang.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it to describe someone with a genuine mental health condition in a serious context (offensive).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'nutcase' be LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, depending on context. It is a slang, derogatory term for someone considered insane. Using it to describe someone with a real mental health condition is offensive. Among friends, it can be used jokingly and affectionately.
'Nuts' is an adjective meaning crazy (e.g., 'He's nuts'). 'Nutcase' is a noun referring to the crazy person themselves (e.g., 'He's a nutcase').
No, it is strictly informal/slang. Use formal alternatives like 'irrational individual', 'mentally unstable person', or clinical terms as appropriate in formal contexts.
It is common in both, with no major difference in meaning. It may sound slightly dated in American English.