The phrase "went mental" is commonly used in informal English to describe someone who has become extremely angry, agitated, or irrational. The spelling of this phrase reflects the pronunciation of these words in Standard British English. "Went" is pronounced /wɛnt/, with the "e" sound as in "bed," and "mental" is pronounced /ˈmɛntəl/, with the stress on the first syllable and the "e" sound as in "men." The phrase may be considered slang and is not appropriate for formal situations.
"Went mental" is an informal expression that primarily originated in British English, colloquially used to describe someone's extreme or frantic behavior, often in an agitated or violent manner. The phrase is typically employed when an individual loses control of their emotions or actions, exhibiting irrational behavior or becoming overwhelmed by anger, frustration, or excitement.
When someone "went mental," they might experience a temporary state of madness or irrationality, engaging in reckless or irrational decision-making. This phrase is commonly used to emphasize the severity of a person's reaction to a certain situation or event, suggesting that they acted outside the realm of rational thinking or typical behavior.
The term "went mental" can also refer to someone exhibiting symptoms of a mental health condition, such as a sudden outburst of anger or aggression. In this context, it implies a momentary loss of emotional stability or control.
It is important to note that while the phrase is widely used in conversational settings, it may be considered inappropriate or offensive in certain contexts. Usage of "went mental" should be carefully evaluated to ensure it aligns with the intended tone, audience, and appropriateness of the situation.
The phrase "went mental" is considered an informal or colloquial expression that originated in British English. The etymology of the phrase can be understood by examining the individual components:
1. Went: The word "went" is the past tense of the verb "go". It has Old English roots and has been used in the English language for centuries to indicate movement or change of location.
2. Mental: The term "mental" is derived from the Latin word "mentālis", which means "pertaining to the mind". In English, "mental" has been used since the late 18th century to describe things related to or occurring in the mind. When used informally as an adjective to describe someone's behavior, "mental" signifies an extreme or irrational state of mind.