Crackpot

/ˈkrækpɒt/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A person who is eccentric or considered to be crazy, especially one with bizarre ideas.
The inventor has been labeled a crackpot for his outlandish theories about time travel.
A person whose ideas or plans are thought to be strange or impractical.
Many dismissed her plans to build a floating city as the musings of a crackpot.
An individual who is perceived as mentally unstable or irrational.
After talking to him for just a few minutes, I could see he was a bit of a crackpot.

Etymology

The term 'crackpot' originated in the early 20th century, combining 'crack', meaning crazy or foolish, with 'pot', possibly referring to a person's mind as a vessel.

Common Phrases and Expressions

crackpot idea
An idea that is considered absurd or foolish.
crackpot theory
A theory that lacks scientific credibility.

Related Words

eccentric
A person who has unconventional or strange behavior.
kook
A person who is considered crazy or eccentric.
nutcase
A person perceived as mentally unstable or foolish.

Slang Meanings

A weirdo
That guy is such a crackpot, always talking about conspiracy theories.
Someone who has bizarre beliefs
She thinks that aliens are among us; what a total crackpot!