Pronunciation: [kɹˈaŋks] (IPA) 
The word "cranks" is spelled with a "k" not a "c" even though it may seem counterintuitive. This is because the "k" sound is made by a stop consonant at the back of the tongue, while the "c" sound is made by placing the tongue at the front and back of the roof of the mouth. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the spelling of "cranks" is /kræŋks/ with the "k" sound represented by the symbol /k/.
Cranks, as a plural noun form, refers to eccentric or odd-minded individuals who hold unconventional or extreme views, often promoting them vigorously without consideration for mainstream opinions or evidence. These individuals might exhibit peculiar characteristics, engaging in peculiar behaviors or espousing idiosyncratic ideas that are widely regarded as being out of touch with reality or lacking rationality.
The term "cranks" originated in the late 19th century, often associated with those who made unconventional claims in the fields of science, politics, or other areas. It is typically used to describe individuals who persistently express dissenting opinions or ideas that are not widely accepted within their respective fields. Cranks can be found across various areas like medicine, conspiracy theories, alternative therapies, or even sports.
These people often tend to be overly enthusiastic about their beliefs, frequently becoming vocal or aggressive in advocating for them. They might dismiss or ignore evidence or expert consensus that contradicts their ideas and continue to hold their unconventional views regardless.
While the term "crank" is mostly used to imply irrationality or oddity, it is important to note that not all unconventional or dissenting perspectives necessarily fall under this definition. Sometimes, individuals with more reasonable skepticism or alternative viewpoints can be mislabeled as cranks due to the social stigma associated with not adhering to mainstream ideas. Thus, it is crucial to consider the context and evidence before attaching the label of "crank" to someone.
The word "cranks" has several different etymologies depending on its context. Here are a few possible origins:
1. As a noun meaning "a handle or lever to turn a mechanism":
The term "cranks" in this sense comes from the Old English word "cranc", which means "a winding handle or lever". It can be traced back to the Middle Dutch word "cranc" and the German word "Kranke", both with similar meanings.
2. As a noun meaning "a person who holds eccentric or extreme views":
The etymology of this sense of "cranks" is a bit more unclear. It is possibly derived from the literal meaning of "crank" as "a piece of bent metal or a curve", which signifies something that is not straight or aligned with the norm. This figurative sense then developed to describe people who have eccentric or unconventional ideas.
