![]() ![]() ![]() An obsolete term for a form of insanity characterized by alternating lucid and insane periods, believed to be influenced by phases of the moon. Lunatic soup (1918) was slang for "alcoholic drink" or several different alcoholic drinks drunk together. ( l'n-s ), This imprecise and outmoded word is best avoided in medical speech and writing. Then, among the wise and high-minded people who in self-respecting and genuine fashion strive earnestly for peace, there are foolish fanatics always to be found in such a movement and always discrediting it - the men who form the lunatic fringe in all reform movements.Įarlier it was a term for a type of hairstyle worn over the forehead (1877). The word derives from lunaticus meaning 'of the moon' or 'moonstruck'. a comedy show full of inspired lunacy Questions about grammar and vocabulary Find the answers with Practical English Usage online, your indispensable guide to problems in English. lunacy (n.) 1540s, 'condition of being a lunatic,' formed irregularly in English from lunatic (q.v.) + -cy. Lunatic is a term referring to a person who is seen as mentally ill, dangerous, foolish, or crazyconditions once attributed to 'lunacy'. ![]() Compare also New Testament Greek selēniazomai "be epileptic," from selēnē "moon." Lunatic fringe (1913) was popularized and apparently coined by U.S. lunacy noun /lunsi/ /lunsi/ uncountable behaviour that is stupid or crazy synonym madness Its sheer lunacy driving in such weather. Late 13c., "affected with periodic insanity dependent on the changes of the moon," from Old French lunatique "insane," or directly from Late Latin lunaticus "moon-struck," from Latin luna "moon" (see luna).Ĭompare Old English monseoc "lunatic," literally "moon-sick " Middle High German lune "humor, temper, mood, whim, fancy" (German Laune), from Latin luna. ![]()
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