General
bezoomny
What does bezoomny mean?
In Nadsat, bezoomny means mad, crazy, or insane. Source word: Russian 'bezumny' (безумный), literally 'mad' or 'senseless'.
"That veck is bezoomny, raving at shadows in the street."
Origin
Coined by Burgess in A Clockwork Orange (1962) from the Russian 'bezumny', 'mad'. Madness and sanity are central themes of the book, given the state's attempt to reprogram Alex's mind.
Frequently asked questions
What does bezoomny mean?
It is Nadsat for mad, crazy, or insane, from the Russian 'bezumny'.
Where did bezoomny come from?
Anthony Burgess coined it for A Clockwork Orange in 1962 from the Russian word 'bezumny'.
How is bezoomny used in the book?
It describes both literal madness and the wild, reckless behaviour of Alex and his droogs.
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