loon

Definition

A crazy or deranged person; a lunatic.

Etymology

From Middle English louen, lowen (“rascal; rogue”), probably of Middle Dutch or Middle Low German origin. Compare Dutch loen (“simpleton”). Or, related to etymology 2, due to the bird's loud cry. Folk etymology associates it slang-wise with lunatic, though the latter may have influenced it; see loony.

Example Sentences

• "An electric fire came next, followed by an umbrella and then a colander. "This bowl will carry no water," he muttered. "Some loon hath pierced it with holes.""
• "What's it like to be a loon? / I liken it to a balloon"
• "The diuell damne thee blacke, thou cream-fac'd Loone: Where got'ſt thou that Gooſe-looke."

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