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Crackpot: meaning, definitions and examples

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crackpot

 

[ ˈkrækˌpɒt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

informal slang

A crackpot is a person who has bizarre or eccentric ideas, often in the realm of science or societal norms. Such individuals may be perceived as not fully rational or out of touch with reality due to their unusual beliefs.

Synonyms

crank, freak, lunatic, weirdo

Examples of usage

  • He's considered a crackpot for his theories on time travel.
  • The magazine featured an article on crackpots who believe in extraterrestrial life.
  • Many dismissed her as a crackpot after her wild claims about the government.

Translations

Translations of the word "crackpot" in other languages:

🇵🇹 maluco

🇮🇳 पागल

🇩🇪 Spinner

🇮🇩 gila

🇺🇦 божевільний

🇵🇱 szalony

🇯🇵 変わり者

🇫🇷 fou

🇪🇸 loco

🇹🇷 deli

🇰🇷 미친 사람

🇸🇦 مجنون

🇨🇿 blázen

🇸🇰 blázon

🇨🇳 疯子

🇸🇮 nor

🇮🇸 gali

🇰🇿 псих

🇬🇪 გიჟი

🇦🇿 dəlil

🇲🇽 loco

Etymology

The term 'crackpot' traces its origins to the early 20th century, stemming from the combination of 'crack' and 'pot'. 'Crack' has been used since the 15th century to describe something that is broken or has a flaw, while 'pot' in this context presumably refers to the notion of a container holding something—perhaps ideas or thoughts. Together, they create an image of a person whose ideas are seen as cracked, faulty, or nonsensical. The usage grew in the 1920s to describe people with outlandish theories or beliefs, especially in contexts where scientific or rational credibility was expected. Over time, the term has maintained a colloquial flavor, often used in a light-hearted or dismissive manner to label those with unconventional or fringe ideas.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,353, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.