adjective
wacko
WA-koh
Wacko (adjective) means Eccentric or irrational in a way that's amusing rather than alarming. Example: “His wacko theories about the moon landing kept us laughing all night.”
adjective
1
Eccentric or irrational in a way that's amusing rather than alarming.
"His wacko theories about the moon landing kept us laughing all night."
noun
1
A person who behaves in an eccentric or irrational way.
"The neighbours think he's a wacko for talking to his plants."
"“Environmentalist wackos” — Mr. Limbaugh’s phrase — “want man to be responsible for it because they want to control your behavior,” the conservative host said on the show."
— Michael M. Grynbaum, ‘Nothing to Do With Climate Change’: Conservative Media and Trump Align on Fires (2020)
How to use wacko
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA playful word for someone or something a bit crazy or over-the-top.
When to use it
Informal and can be mildly mocking; use with care about people, not just ideas.
Common pairings
a total wacko
wacko idea
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Word forms
- Plural
- wackos, wackoes
- Comparative
- more wacko
- Superlative
- most wacko
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His _____ theories about the moon landing kept us laughing all night.
Etymology
Formed from "wack(y)" plus the informal "-o" ending, the same pattern seen in words like "cheapo" or "weirdo".
Synonyms
View more →
nutter
whacko
Related words
Rhymes for wacko
See all rhymes for wacko →Frequently asked questions
What does “wacko” mean?
The word “wacko” means eccentric or irrational in a way that's amusing rather than alarming. In plain terms, a playful word for someone or something a bit crazy or over-the-top.
How do you pronounce “wacko”?
“Wacko” is pronounced WA-koh (/ˈwæ.koʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “wacko” in a sentence?
Here is “wacko” used in a sentence: “His wacko theories about the moon landing kept us laughing all night.”
What part of speech is “wacko”?
Depending on how it is used, “wacko” can be an adjective and a noun.
How many meanings does “wacko” have?
“Wacko” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: eccentric or irrational in a way that's amusing rather than alarming.
