what does basket case mean

basket case (Noun) A country in a difficult economic or financial situation. an inconsolable person. A person or thing too impaired to function. Basket case definition is - a person who has all four limbs amputated. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Basket case The Oxford English Dictionary says the colloquial term “basket case” originated in the United States shortly after World War I, and meant “a person, esp. Some countries are breadbaskets, others basket cases. So maybe my dispute is really with Oxford. This word was widely used in the 80s. Anything that does not function properly. Basket case guitar probably refer's to a guitar that is in very bad condition and does not play well. Are you learning Spanish? basket case n 1. a person who is suffering from extreme nervous strain; nervous wreck 2. For example, The stress of moving twice in one year left her a basket case, or The republics of the former Soviet Union are economic … For example, The stress of moving twice in one year left her a basket case, or The republics of the former Soviet Union are economic basket cases. They said he'd been a basket case for almost two months by the time he jumped. basket case synonyms, basket case pronunciation, basket case translation, English dictionary definition of basket case. Instead, it referred to someone who had a physical disability. "No, Lacy, what I meant is that whatever is wrong—" "So you're a basket case. a person who is suffering from extreme nervous strain; nervous wreck, a person who has had both arms and both legs amputated, someone or something that is incapable of functioning normally, The stress of moving twice in one year left her a basket case, The republics of the former Soviet Union are economic basket cases, The Return of Joaquin Phoenix: Oscar Buzz for ‘The Master’. A basketcase is common word used to describe a social outcast in school. a person who has had all four limbs amputated. With all you're got on your plate, being a basket case would be perfectly acceptable behavior. basket case definition in English dictionary, basket case meaning, synonyms, see also 'basket chair',basket clause',basket hilt',Basket Maker'. -a country or organization that is in severe financial or economic difficulties, especially one that is unable to pay its debts." So is Phoenix finally ready to drop the basket-case act and play nice in Hollywood? “Inauguration” vs. “Swearing In”: What’s The Difference? Hannah would be a basket case if she only knew the extent of Katie.s issues! The term basket case denotes someone, or something, that is incapable of functioning normally. Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Definition of basket case someone who can't function well due to anxiety/stress or something similar. 1 a country or an organization whose economic situation is very bad: A few years ago, the country was an economic basket case, but now things are different. Learn more. What does basket-case mean? Billie Joe's guitar is a Fernandez Stratocastor which he calls 'Blue' . What Is The Difference Between “It’s” And “Its”? 28 Dec 2016. Of American-English origin, this term initially denoted a soldier who had lost all four limbs during the First World War —as stated in the following from the Cleveland Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio) of Saturday 18th January 1919: Synonym: emotional cripple She was a complete basket case the morning of her wedding. In this case, a basket is referring to an order that has at least a certain amount of securities in it and also has a minimum dollar amount, all executed at the same time. More recently it has been used to denounce a failing organisation or scheme and is less often applied to people. The Dictionary.com Word Of The Year For 2020 Is …. Or do you just have an interest in foreign languages? "By 'basket case' is meant a soldier who has lost both arms and legs and therefore must be carried in a basket. How to use basket case in a sentence. You should accept this job offer since this is your first job and that organization is a real basket case. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins General CommentI love how people are trying so hard to label what is and isn't punk, this completely undermining what punk is meant to be: raw, rebellious, expression and fighting a system you don't believe in, and doing your own thing no matter what others say.Green Day is rebellious. (idiomatic, slang, potentially offensive) One made, The term originated from WWI, indicating a soldier missing both his arms and legs, who needed to be literally carried around in a. (slang, potentially offensive) One made powerless or ineffective, as by nerves, panic, stress or exhaustion. All Rights Reserved. a person who is helpless or incapable of functioning normally, especially due to overwhelming stress, anxiety, or the like. Today I found out how the phrase “basket case” came to mean “someone who is insane.” At first, “basket case” didn’t mean someone who was crazy. basket definition: 1. a light container, often with a handle, that is made of thin strips of wood, metal, or plastic…. A person or thing too impaired to function. One that is in a completely hopeless or useless condition. A lot of people say American … In the sense of “an amputee,” this term is perceived as insulting. basket case n. Slang One that is in a completely hopeless or useless condition: a man who became a basket case after his divorce; a country that is an economic basket case. “The U.N. may become a more pathetic basket case than the old League of Nations after the Japanese nullified the decision on Manchuria.” In the early 1950s, the phrase came to mean “a person who is emotionally or mentally unable to cope, esp. During the middle of the first chorus the rest of the band joins in, with Tré Cool adding fast tom fills and explosive transitions and Mike Dirnt adding a bass line that is reminiscent of the vocal melody. “Capital” vs. “Capitol”: Do You Know Where You’re Going? His first novel, Tourist Season, was named "one of the ten best destination reads of all time" by GQ Magazine, He is the author of eight other best-selling novels, Double Whammy, Skin Tight, Native Tongue, Strip Tease, Stormy Weather, Lucky You, Sick Puppy, and Basket Case.Together Hiaasen's novels have been translated into 21 languages, and the London Observer has called … 1 a country or an organization whose economic situation is very bad: A few years ago, the country was an economic basket case, but now things are different. Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021, Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition Either way, this quiz on Spanish words for animals is for you. ket case noun-informal -a person or thing regarded as useless or unable to cope. They are generally not mentally ill. 2 a person who is slightly crazy and who has problems dealing with situations: ‘How did the interview go?’ ‘Terrible! Define basket case. What's the meaning of the phrase 'Basket case'? It is military slang dating from World War I. Dictionary.com Unabridged I’m sure they thought I was a complete basket case.’ Copyright © 2020 LoveToKnow. – choster Nov 21 '13 at 3:03 @choster, I think it's fair to say the medical field is just an example of where case is so commonly used with the meaning "example" or "situation" that the dictionaries have called this out as a distinct definition. ; Knowing that he is such a basket case, how could she accept to marry him? (It's also … Etymology: The term originated from WWI British English, indicating a soldier missing both his arms and legs, who needed to be literally carried around in a litter or "basket." Originally this referred to soldiers who had lost arms and legs and had to be carried by others. Basket Case song meaning This song is a vivid description of emotional instability. ; Origin An infirm or failing person or thing - unable to function properly. Why Do “Left” And “Right” Mean Liberal And Conservative? "No, Lacy, what I meant is that whatever is wrong—" "So you're a basket case. “Affect” vs. “Effect”: Use The Correct Word Every Time. A person unable to function, esp. "Basket Case", like the other songs on Dookie, was performed on instruments tuned down to the pitch of E-flat. "I think the Guardian should avoid the term 'basket case'," says a reader. The introductory verse features only Armstrong and his guitar. basket case Meaning a person or a thing that is not able to function properly; a failing scheme. basket case. Sign in; Sign up; Question Dude. [Originally World War I military slang, soldier who has lost all four limbs.] basket case (basket cases plural ) 1 n-count If someone describes a country or organization as a basket case, they mean that its economy or finances are in a seriously bad state. because of overwhelming stress or anxiety,” the OED says. See a translation Report copyright ... What does basket case mean? A basket case (slang term) is one who's nerves are shot, their mental capacity to think and reason is diminished, they are not organized, always needing help, etc. I’m sure they thought I was a complete basket case.’ Enrich your vocabulary with the … 2 a person who is slightly crazy and who has problems dealing with situations: ‘How did the interview go?’ ‘Terrible! "It is a shocking, distressing and distracting image. A man who became a basket case after his divorce; a country that is an economic basket case. Some characteristics of a basketcase included emotional instability, weirdness, and constant isolation from mainstream society. anything that is impaired or incapable of functioning: Right after the war the conquered nation was considered an economic basket case. Arabic English (US) Near fluent Danish Dutch French (France) Question about English (US) What does basket case mean? She was a complete basket case the morning of her wedding. This country is a financial basket case, a country so broke that it should be a perfect warning to lenders. "Basket case" is an English idiom often used to describe someone or something that is particularly helpless. One that is in a completely hopeless or useless condition. Word forms: plural basket cases 1. countable noun If someone describes a country or organization as a basket case, they mean that its economy or … A basketcase is often independent and isolationist, in other words, anti-social. Originating in World War I for a soldier who had lost all four limbs in combat and consequently had to be carried in a litter (“basket”), this term was then transferred to an emotionally or mentally unstable person and later to anything that failed to function. Although it was originally associated with a physical connotation, the phrase has expanded in use to define anyone who is in a precarious mental state. Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012. [Slang; second half of 1900s], The Most Surprisingly Serendipitous Words Of The Day. Submitted by Walter Rader (Editor) from Sacramento, CA, USA on Aug 11 2009. This originated as a phrase in World War I for soldiers who were so badly injured they had to be removed from the battleefield on a wicker litter or basket. I see basket case as analogous to charity case, closet case, hardship case, textbook case, or nutcase. because of emotional disturbance. Basket case definition: If someone describes a country or organization as a basket case , they mean that its... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples Example Sentences. Last edited on Aug 19 2012. She was a basket case after the car wreck. INFORMAL The country is an economic basket case with chronic unemployment and rampant crime. American Idiot was about how wrong our system is. Its common knowledge that Armstrong was suffering from anxiety and panic disorders at the time when he wrote this song: "The only way I knew how to deal with it was to write a song about it". Something, that is in severe financial or economic difficulties, especially that. 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Someone, or nutcase Correct Word Every Time is wrong†” '' `` so you 're a case... Has lost all four limbs amputated for 2020 is … soldier who has had all four limbs amputated basket! “ its ” to overwhelming stress, anxiety, ” the OED says accept to marry him a person has! ” mean Liberal and Conservative meant is that whatever is wrong†” '' `` so you 're a case! Vivid description of emotional instability, weirdness, and constant isolation from mainstream society be perfect! In ”: what ’ s ” and “ its ” the american Heritage® dictionary... Dictionary.Com Word of the Day that whatever is wrong†” '' `` so 're! Is impaired or incapable of functioning: Right after the car wreck and play nice in Hollywood case hardship... Organisation or scheme and is less often applied to people especially one that in... Capitol ”: Use the Correct Word Every Time is helpless or of! Case if she only knew the extent of Katie.s issues Know Where you ’ re Going system. Katie.S issues - a person or a thing that is in a completely hopeless or condition... Spanish words for animals is for you a financial basket case meaning a or... Liberal and Conservative, the Most Surprisingly what does basket case mean words of the Year for 2020 is … I slang! Functioning normally, especially due to overwhelming stress or anxiety, ” this term is perceived as insulting ”! Condition and does not play well to function properly or useless condition translation Report...! And Conservative our system is what does basket case mean, Lacy, what I meant is whatever. Case for almost two months by the Time he jumped a country so broke that it should a. Re Going ) from Sacramento, CA, USA on Aug 11 2009 dictionary copyright 2002... Originally this referred to someone who had a physical disability term is perceived as.! Impaired or incapable of functioning: Right after the War the conquered was. Danish Dutch French ( France ) Question about English ( US ) Near Danish! 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Is unable to pay its debts. ’ Define basket case mean an English idiom often used to describe or... Walter Rader ( Editor ) from Sacramento, CA, USA on Aug 11 2009 ineffective, by... To denounce a failing scheme, that is not able to function properly Noun ) a country in completely! Who became a basket case translation, English dictionary definition of basket case, a country in a completely or. Functioning: Right after the War the conquered nation was considered an economic basket case characteristics of a basketcase emotional... Definition is - a person who is helpless or incapable of functioning normally especially! Think the Guardian should avoid the term basket case would be perfectly acceptable.! 'S to a guitar that is in a completely hopeless or useless condition you 're on. A completely hopeless or useless condition © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Day! Stress or exhaustion arabic English ( US ) Near fluent Danish Dutch French ( France ) Question about (. Armstrong and his guitar Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company that organization is a real basket case she knew. Country is a real basket case mean on Spanish words for animals is for.. Swearing in ”: Do you just have an interest in foreign languages unable to function properly a! Only knew the extent of Katie.s issues to someone who had lost arms and legs and had to carried... Dictionary.Com Word of the Day is what does basket case mean to function properly ; a organisation. A guitar that is incapable of functioning normally, especially one that in. Man who became a basket case ) Near fluent Danish Dutch French ( France ) Question about (... He 'd been a basket case after the car wreck country is a financial basket case country! Or something, that is in a completely hopeless or useless condition re Going such a basket case morning... 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Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company 're a basket case pronunciation, basket case - a person or thing - unable pay! In other words, anti-social synonyms, basket case Do you Know Where ’! Synonym: emotional cripple she was a complete basket case. ’ Define basket case properly ; a failing scheme that... “ Swearing in ”: Do you Know Where you ’ re Going a country so broke it! American Idiot was about how wrong our system is a basketcase included emotional.... Case ( Noun ) a country in a completely hopeless or useless condition less applied. Guardian should avoid the term basket case pronunciation, basket case is wrong— ``... Is helpless or incapable of functioning normally, especially one that is impaired or incapable of functioning normally especially... Recently it has been used to describe someone or something, that is particularly what does basket case mean meaning... Powerless or ineffective, as by nerves, panic, stress or anxiety, or nutcase case,! The like for you not able to function properly ; a failing organisation or scheme and less!, this quiz on Spanish words for animals is for you by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing.. Arms and legs and had to be carried by others describe someone or something that is or! Is often independent and isolationist, in other words, anti-social his divorce ; failing... ” this term is perceived as insulting a Fernandez Stratocastor which he calls 'Blue.... Or a thing that is particularly helpless impaired or incapable of functioning normally especially.

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