What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bonkers
Example
He went completely bonkers when he found out he won the lottery. [bonkers: adjective]
Example
The party was absolutely bonkers, with people dancing on tables and singing at the top of their lungs. [bonkers: adverb]
mad
Example
She's been acting mad lately, talking to herself and wearing mismatched clothes. [mad: adjective]
Example
The crowd went mad when their favorite team scored the winning goal. [mad: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mad is more commonly used than bonkers in everyday language. Mad is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while bonkers is less common and more specific to informal or colloquial speech.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bonkers and mad?
While bonkers is typically associated with an informal and colloquial tone, mad can be used in both informal and formal contexts, making it a more formal option when needed.
