Madding: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'madding' comes from the Middle English word 'madden', which means to be mad or insane.
• It is often used in the phrase 'the madding crowd', which highlights a sense of chaos in large groups of people.
• Madding connects to earlier roots in Old Norse, where similar sounds suggested madness or frenzy.

Literature

• The phrase 'madding crowd' is famously used in Thomas Hardy's novel 'Far from the Madding Crowd', exploring themes of love and rural life.
• In literature, the term often captures the reckless enthusiasm or chaotic behaviour of people caught up in events.
• Historical poetic texts highlight the contrast between 'madding crowds' and serene nature, emphasizing societal chaos versus tranquility.

Culture

• In popular culture, 'madding' invokes images of festivals where people lose themselves to excitement and noise.
• Music festivals often create a 'madding' atmosphere where crowds jump and sing together, embodying wild joy.
• The term is also referenced in artworks depicting scenes of urban life, showcasing the frenetic energy of city crowds.

Psychology

• In psychology, being in a 'madding' state can relate to crowd behaviour, where individuals might act irrationally when part of a large group.
• Crowd psychology studies how anonymity among many can reduce personal accountability, leading to more extreme behaviours.
• The chaotic feeling can provoke stress and anxiety, leading to explorations in therapeutic settings on managing overwhelming emotions.

Ranking #37,335, 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.

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