Lunatic

Lunatic

"Lunatic" is an informal term referring to people who are considered mentally ill, dangerous, foolish or unpredictable; conditions once called lunacy. The term may be considered insulting in serious contexts, though is sometimes used in friendly jest. The word derives from lunaticus meaning "of the moon" or "moonstruck".

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Famous quotes containing the word lunatic:

    ... most reform movements in our country have been cursed by a lunatic fringe and have mingled sound ideas for social progress with utopian nonsense.
    Agnes E. Meyer (1887–1970)

    I guess the definition of a lunatic is a man surrounded by them.
    Ezra Pound (1885–1972)

    A lunatic may be “soothed,”... for a time, but in the end, he is very apt to become obstreperous. His cunning, too, is proverbial, and great.... When a madman appears thoroughly sane, indeed, it is high time to put him in a straight jacket.
    Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849)