go bananas: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘go bananas’ mean?
The idiom "go bananas" means to become extremely excited, agitated, or irrational. It is often used to describe someone losing control of their emotions or behaving in a wild and unpredictable manner.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom used to describe someone who is in an emotional or mental state of extreme agitation, distress, or confusion.
The idiom "hopping mad" means to be extremely angry or furious about something.
The idiom "hopping mad" is a common expression used in colloquial English to describe someone who is extremely angry or furious. The origin of this idiom is not perfectly clear, but it has been in use since at least the early 19th century.
The idiom "hit the roof" means to become very angry or furious about something.
In the realm of idiomatic expressions, the phrase “hit the roof” is a colloquial way to describe a sudden outburst or extreme anger. Its exact origins and historical usage are uncertain, but it has become a popular phrase in contemporary English.
The idiom "go wild" means to become extremely excited or enthusiastic, often losing control of one's behavior or actions.
The idiom "go to town on" means to do something with great enthusiasm or energy, often with a focus on doing it thoroughly or excessively.
The idiom "go to town" means to work or proceed vigorously and with enthusiasm.
The idiom "go too far" means to exceed the limits or boundaries of what is acceptable or reasonable.
The idiom "go rogue" means to act in a rebellious and unpredictable manner, disregarding rules or expectations. It refers to someone who goes against the established norms or authority, often causing disruption or chaos.
The phrase "go rogue" is an idiomatic expression that describes someone acting independently or recklessly, defying rules or going against the norm.
The idiom "go overboard" means to go to great or excessive lengths, often beyond what is necessary or reasonable. It implies an extreme or exaggerated action or behavior, often resulting from enthusiasm or excitement.
Primal Instincts: Understanding 'Go Bananas'
Go bananas is an idiom that is commonly used in colloquial American English. It is believed to have originated in the early 20th century. The idiom is used to describe a state of excitement, frenzy, or extreme enthusiasm. It is often used to convey a sense of intense joy, excitement, or confusion.
The exact origins of the idiom are uncertain, but it is thought to be derived from the behavior of monkeys. Monkeys are known to become extremely active and frenzied when they are excited or agitated. They jump, shriek, and swing from branch to branch. The phrase "go bananas" is used to describe similar behaviors in humans, particularly when someone is extremely excited or happy.
The idiom "go bananas" is typically used in informal contexts, such as casual conversations, everyday speech, and literature. It is less commonly used in formal or professional settings, where more formal language is preferred. This idiom allows for a range of emotions and behaviors to be conveyed.
It is worth noting that while the idiom is widely understood by native English speakers, non-native speakers or those unfamiliar with the idiom may not immediately understand its meaning. In such cases, the context in which the idiom is used becomes crucial in understanding its intended meaning.
Another idiom related to "go bananas" is "go wild." This idiom conveys a similar sense of excitement and exhilaration. It is often used to describe someone who is behaving in a carefree and uninhibited manner. When someone "goes wild," they may engage in spontaneous and exuberant actions without considering the consequences.
A variant of "go wild" is "go batshit." This idiom is even more extreme, as it implies a loss of control and an explosion of emotions or actions. When someone "goes batshit," they are completely unhinged and may act in a manner that is unexpected, irrational, or reckless.
Similarly, "go ballistic" is another idiom related to "go bananas." This idiom conveys a state of extreme anger or rage. When someone "goes ballistic," they lose control and react in an explosive and aggressive manner. This idiom often implies a sudden and intense outburst of negative emotions.
Another related idiom is "run wild." This idiom is used to describe a situation or individual that is out of control and not following any rules or order. When something "runs wild," it means that it is free to do as it pleases and is not constrained by any outside influences.
Lastly, "come unhinged" is another idiom related to "go bananas." This idiom refers to someone who has lost their composure or sanity. When someone "comes unhinged," they may exhibit irrational behavior, lose control of their emotions, or act in a disorganized and chaotic manner.
Overall, the idiom "go bananas" is a colorful and expressive way to describe a state of excitement, frenzy, or extreme enthusiasm. Its origins are rooted in the behavior of monkeys and it has become a popular and widely recognized idiom in colloquial American English. The idiom's versatility and ability to convey a range of emotions make it a valuable tool in informal communication.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "go bananas" can be used in a sentence:
- When the team won the championship, the fans at the stadium went bananas with joy.
- My little brother always goes bananas when he sees a clown.
- The crowd went bananas when the singer came on stage.