be barking mad

be barking mad

To be crazy or insane. Although its origin is unknown, the phrase may refer to rabid dogs. It's freezing today, and you're not going to wear a coat? Are you barking mad? You're barking mad if you think that plan will work.
See also: bark, mad

be barking ˈmad

,

be ˈbarking

(British English, informal) completely crazy: You’re playing tennis in this weather? You’re barking mad!
See also: bark, mad
References in periodicals archive ?
The man who is widely tipped to be the next england manager claims that you would have to be barking mad to take the job.
You'd have to be barking mad to take Three Lions job.. but I would! WEDNESDAY, KICK-OFF 8PM, LIVE ON ITV1 INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY: ENGLAND V HOLLAND, WEMBLEY
They say that pets look like their owners but we're not entirely sure on this one, in fact you'd be barking mad to see a likeness.
The Razz: Barking up the wrong tree for doubles
Bookmakers can argue that punters must be barking mad to back a horse on a losing run that stretches back to July 2000, but the counter-argument is that Barking Mad has dropped a long way in the weights as a result of his 19 defeats.
Trading Bureau: Be a Fallon fan and go Barking Mad at Windsor; Distinction doubts rule out bet
I was talking to a pal who said you must be barking mad to be a manager,' said Hollywood.
Football: Busst plea for goals to be shared
Widower Arthur, of Newport, Gwent, said yesterday: "They must be barking mad.
OAP bus man says fare's a doggone con
Some people think I may be barking mad to take on this challenge but, make no mistake, we will defend it tooth and claw.
RALLY TO SAVE WOOFIE
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