Entry revised for OED Online

bonkers, a.

DRAFT REVISION Apr. 2007

slang.

[Origin unknown.]

1.[b]. Mad, 'crackers'. (The usual current sense.)

1945 Daily Mirror 12 July 2/6 If we do that often enough, we won't lose contact with things and we won't go 'bonkers'.

1957 J. OSBORNE Entertainer v. 37 One Catholic poet who went bonkers. 1961 SIMPSON & GALTON Four Hancock Scripts 60/2 By half-past three he'll be raving bonkers. 1967 Spectator 4 Aug. 130/3 I think you're bonkers 'cos your attitude's all wrong. You're more than bonkers. You're sick.

2. (See quot. 1948).

1948 PARTRIDGE Dict. Forces' Slang 23 Bonkers, light in the head; slightly drunk. (Navy.) Perhaps from bonk, a blow or punch on the bonce or head.