cinglé

nutcase, lunatic

noun adjective san-GLEH Less Common

Also means

crazy (adjective)

Usage Note

Cinglé is an informal, mildly rude word for someone who is crazy or a bit unhinged; the feminine is cinglée. It comes from cingler (to lash or whip), suggesting someone 'hit in the head'. It is less harsh than fou in some registers but still colloquial; avoid in formal speech. Often used affectionately among friends.

Examples

"Ce type est complètement cinglé!"

Natural Translation

That guy is completely nuts!

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