The phrase "went daffy" means to become crazy or lose one's mind. It is typically spelled with the letter "y" at the end of "daffy" instead of the traditional "ie" spelling of "daffy." This is because "daffy" is derived from the word "daffodil," which is pronounced with the short "i" sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, "daffy" is spelled /ˈdæfi/, with the emphasis on the first syllable. The addition of the "y" at the end does not affect the pronunciation of the word.
The phrase "went daffy" is an idiomatic expression that refers to someone becoming mentally or emotionally unstable or behaving in an irrational or eccentric manner. It is an informal term used to describe a state of temporary or sudden craziness or madness.
The word "went" in this phrase implies a sudden change or transformation in someone's mental state or behavior. "Daffy" is derived from the word "daff," which means foolish, crazy, or silly. When someone "goes daffy," they exhibit strange, erratic, or unpredictable behavior that deviates from what is considered normal or rational.
The term "went daffy" can be used to describe various situations, such as when someone loses their composure, acts irrationally, or becomes overly excited or obsessed about something. For instance, if a person starts laughing uncontrollably at an inappropriate moment or develops an intense fascination with a peculiar subject, they could be said to have "gone daffy."
This expression is often used informally and colloquially to characterize someone's eccentric or irrational behavior, typically in a lighthearted or humorous manner. It can also be used to convey that someone has temporarily lost their grip on reality or is experiencing a momentary lapse in their mental faculties.
The phrase "went daffy" or "go daffy" is an informal expression that means someone has gone crazy or mad. It is derived from the word "daffy", which is a colloquial term for "daffodil" - a type of yellow flower.
The etymology of "daffy" and its association with madness or craziness comes from the fact that daffodils have poisonous bulbs. In the 19th century, when people were exposed to the bulbs for long periods while digging, they could experience symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and hallucinations, leading to the notion of being "daffy" or crazy. Over time, this association between daffodils and madness led to the phrase "went daffy" to describe someone behaving in an irrational or eccentric manner.