Barking mad Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Exaggeration Expresses extreme behavior; not always literal. He's barking mad for collecting stamps, but he loves it. Pro Tip 2/3Slang Usage Used informally, not suitable in formal writing or speech. I felt barking mad when my computer crashed again. Pro Tip 3/3British Origin Mainly used in the UK, might not be understood elsewhere. Mum's barking mad for that British detective show.