bats
12 synonyms and 1 antonym for bats, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Informal: crazy or mentally unstable.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
Etymology
From "bat(man)" plus the hypocoristic -s ending, likely reinforced by the phrase "bats in the belfry."
Full origin of bats →Frequently asked questions
What does “bats” mean?
The word “bats” means informal: crazy or mentally unstable. In plain terms, an informal way of calling someone or something crazy.
How do you pronounce “bats”?
“Bats” is pronounced bats (/bæts/ in IPA).
How do you use “bats” in a sentence?
Here is “bats” used in a sentence: “He's gone completely bats since the divorce.”
What part of speech is “bats”?
“Bats” is an adjective.
Is “bats” a common word?
“Bats” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between "bats" and "batty"?
Both are informal words meaning crazy or mentally unstable, and they are largely interchangeable. "Batty" is slightly more common as a standalone adjective, while "bats" is often used in predicate position, as in "he's gone completely bats."
Is "bats" a polite way to describe someone's mental state?
No, "bats" is informal slang and can sound dismissive or mocking, so it is best avoided in formal, medical, or professional contexts. It is typically used in casual conversation to describe eccentric or irrational behaviour rather than a genuine clinical condition.
What is the origin of using "bats" to mean crazy?
The expression is generally understood to come from the phrase "bats in the belfry," describing a mind as chaotic as bats flying around a bell tower. It remains an informal, colloquial usage rather than standard or technical language.
