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Definition of barmy

barmy

/ˈbɑːr.mi/
bar · my
Adverb:barmily
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barmy Lexical Profile

barmy Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

British Extremely foolish, eccentric, or mildly crazy (informal).

Example

"Everyone thought his plan to cycle across the country in the middle of winter was completely barmy."

2

Full of barm or froth; actively fermenting (archaic).

Example

"The brewer skimmed the thick, barmy head from the wooden vat of fermenting ale."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'barmy' (British slang meaning foolish or crazy) with its homophone in non-rhotic accents, 'balmy' (meaning pleasantly warm and mild, as of weather).

• Rhymes for barmy

• Nearby Words

barline
barmaid
barman
barmy
barn
barn owl
barn swallow

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Middle English noun 'barm' (Old English 'beorma'), referring to the frothy yeast that forms on top of fermenting malt liquor, metaphorically applied in the late 19th century to a person whose head is 'full of froth' or excitement.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Barmy. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/barmy
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