adjective
Uncommon
gaga
GAH-gah
Gaga (adjective) means Mentally confused, especially due to old age. Example: “He's getting a bit gaga in his old age.”
adjective
1
Mentally confused, especially due to old age.
"He's getting a bit gaga in his old age."
2
Wildly enthusiastic or infatuated about someone or something.
"The fans went gaga over the new single."
"She's completely gaga about her new boyfriend."
How to use gaga
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither senile and confused, or wildly excited/infatuated — context decides which.
When to use it
Informal in both senses.
Common pairings
go gaga
gaga over someone
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like gaga.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more gaga
- Superlative
- most gaga
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He's getting a bit _____ in his old age.
Etymology
Borrowed from French gaga.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for gaga
See all rhymes for gaga →Frequently asked questions
What does “gaga” mean?
The word “gaga” means mentally confused, especially due to old age. In plain terms, either senile and confused, or wildly excited/infatuated — context decides which.
How do you pronounce “gaga”?
“Gaga” is pronounced GAH-gah (/ˈɡɑːɡɑː/ in IPA).
How do you use “gaga” in a sentence?
Here is “gaga” used in a sentence: “He's getting a bit gaga in his old age.”
What part of speech is “gaga”?
“Gaga” is an adjective.
Where does the word “gaga” come from?
The word “gaga” comes from French. Borrowed from French gaga.
Is “gaga” a common word?
“Gaga” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “gaga” have?
“Gaga” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: mentally confused, especially due to old age.
Is gaga a formal word to describe confusion in old age?
No, gaga is an informal and slightly dated term for being mentally confused, especially due to old age, and it is generally avoided in clinical or respectful contexts. Terms like "confused" or "disoriented" are more appropriate in formal writing.
What does it mean to go gaga over something?
To go gaga over someone or something means to become wildly enthusiastic or infatuated with it, often in a way that seems slightly excessive or giddy. It is commonly used about fans reacting to celebrities or new products.
Is gaga considered offensive when describing elderly people?
Gaga can come across as dismissive or insensitive when applied to elderly individuals with cognitive decline, since it trivializes a serious condition. It is best reserved for casual, lighthearted speech rather than descriptions of real medical conditions.
