What it means
A very British way to say something's wildly daft, absurd, or just pleasingly off its head. You can use it for ridiculous prices, chaotic ideas, or behaviour that's so silly it tips over into funny. It usually lands light and cheeky, more fond eye-roll than proper insult.
Usage examples
"Twenty quid for a sandwich? That is absolutely bonkers, mate."
"The plan to cross the city on a scooter in the rain was completely bonkers, but somehow it worked."
"Prices for a cup of tea down there are bonkers, you could buy a whole kettle for less."
"You want me up at 5am for a fun run on a Sunday? That's bonkers."
"That new rent is bonkers, who've they mugged that number off?"
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Where it comes from
Bonkers showed up in British English in the 20th century as a slangy way to mean mad or crazy. Its exact root isn't pinned down with total certainty, but it's firmly established as British informal speech and has long been used for things that feel absurd, daft, or cheerfully off the rails.
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