adj

batty

BA-tee

Batty (adj) means Crazy, eccentric, or slightly mad. Example: “He has some pretty batty ideas about how to run the business.”

adj

Crazy, eccentric, or slightly mad.

"He has some pretty batty ideas about how to run the business."

"The old woman next door is a bit batty but perfectly harmless."

How to use batty

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA casual, slightly affectionate way to call someone or something crazy or odd.

Memory tip

It's informal and usually not meant as a harsh insult — more "eccentric" than "dangerous."

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Common pairings

a batty old man batty idea go batty

Word forms

battier comparative, batties plural, Battys plural, battiest superlative

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He has some pretty _____ ideas about how to run the business.

Etymology

From "bat" (the animal) plus "-y," popularised by the phrase "bats in one's belfry," describing bats flying erratically — first used to mean "insane" in the early 1900s.

· First attested 1900

Class of 1900 batty joined the language around 1900.

addictive Alfredo Alyssa antsy applesauce

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Rhymes for batty

fatty catty natty Patty ratty Matty chatty Beatty

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Frequently asked questions

What does “batty” mean?

The word “batty” means crazy, eccentric, or slightly mad. In plain terms, a casual, slightly affectionate way to call someone or something crazy or odd.

How do you pronounce “batty”?

“Batty” is pronounced BA-tee (/ˈbæti/ in IPA).

How do you use “batty” in a sentence?

Here is “batty” used in a sentence: “He has some pretty batty ideas about how to run the business.”

What part of speech is “batty”?

“Batty” is an adjective.

Where does the word “batty” come from?

The word “batty” dates back to around 1900. From "bat" (the animal) plus "-y," popularised by the phrase "bats in one's belfry," describing bats flying erratically — first used to mean "insane" in the early 1900s.