English Explanatory Dictionary

mad as a hatter

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Crazy or demented.

Pronunciation

/ˌmæd æz ə ˈhætə/ /ˌmæd æz ə ˈhætɚ/ en-us-mad as a hatter.ogg en-au-mad as a hatter.ogg

Word forms

mad as a hatter

Etymology

First recorded 1829. Of uncertain origin, though usually explained as referring to hat-makers suffering from Erethism due to handling mercury-contaminated felt. Derivation from Old English ātor (“poison”) or its descendant English atter lacks evidence.

Synonyms

disturbed insane loopy nutty mad as a March hare

Related words

hatter Mad Hatter
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