A crankpot is a colloquial term used to denote an eccentric or crazy person, often characterized by bizarre ideas or behavior that deviates from societal norms. This term is particularly applied to individuals who hold fringe beliefs or engage in odd practices that may seem irrational or nonsensical to others, often invoking a sense of ridicule or disbelief.
Crankpot meaning with examples
- The old man down the street is often regarded as a crankpot. He insists that aliens visit him nightly, and he spends his evenings crafting elaborate conspiracy theories that he tries to explain to anyone who will listen. While his ideas are certainly outlandish, we can't help but feel a bit sorry for him in his loneliness.
- At the community meeting, one resident stood up to talk about his theories on how to communicate with dolphins. Many found him to be a crankpot, as his ideas seemed far-fetched and nonsensical. However, he spoke with such passion that a few attendees began to wonder if there might be some merit to his unconventional views.
- When researching his family history, Martin uncovered a great-uncle who was described as a crankpot by relatives. His great-uncle had dedicated his life to studying the mythical creatures of the sea, spending countless hours scouring beaches for unusual shells and claiming to have seen mermaids. His quirky pursuits made him a beloved figure in family lore.
- During the workshop on alternative medicine, a participant was labeled a crankpot when he began advocating for 'healing crystals' alleviating all ailments. Even though his enthusiasm for holistic remedies was apparent, many attendees dismissed his views as silly superstition. However, a few were intrigued and engaged him in deeper conversation about his beliefs.