Word Origins

 

*MADCAP

From its earliest use in 1591, as in Shakespeare’s day, this meant simply one who was crazy, a maniac. Cap, just because it covered the head, was sometimes used for “head,” and mad, used literally, meant “crazy.” Of course, it was also used, and still is, somewhat playfully, in describing one who acted absurdly, silly, or recklessly, in much the same manner as, “He’s got bees in his bonnet,” or like the films of the Marx Brothers.

*Inspired by Charles Funk (1881–1957)