go gaga

G

go gaga (idiom)
/ɡoʊ ˈɡɑːɡə/

Variants

• gaga (informal / adjective)
• go gaga over

Meaning

• Become extremely enthusiastic or infatuated, often in an irrational or obsessive way.
• Act overly excited or delighted, especially in response to someone or something perceived as charming or appealing.
• Lose control emotionally due to admiration, affection, or obsession.
• Display foolish or exaggerated behavior due to strong emotions or excitement.
• Become mentally confused or act silly, typically in an exaggerated or comic manner.

Synonyms: swoon; fawn; obsess; rave, adore; idolize, drool; flip; dote; gush; crazy.

Example Sentences

1. Fans go gaga over every new photo their favorite celebrity posts.
2. The crowd went gaga when the pop star appeared on stage unannounced.
3. She goes gaga for anything with kittens on it.
4. Kids go gaga over animated movies with talking animals.
5. My grandparents go gaga every time they see the baby trying to walk.
6. Sofia is absolutely gaga about her new boyfriend.

Origin and History

The phrase “go gaga” has become a common idiom in the English language, used to describe someone who is overwhelmingly enthusiastic, infatuated, or even a little bit crazy. But where did this seemingly whimsical expression come from? While no single, definitive origin story exists, a combination of linguistic evolution, imitative sounds, and cultural influences has shaped its meaning over time.

The French Connection: Imitative Roots

The most widely accepted theory points to a French origin for the word “gaga.” It is believed to have entered the English lexicon in the early 20th century, specifically between 1915 and 1920. The French word “gaga” itself is considered to be of “imitative origin.” This means it likely arose from sounds that resemble the babbling of a baby or the confused speech of someone experiencing senility.

• Mimicking Baby Talk: Imagine a baby excitedly babbling “ga-ga-ga.” This repetitive, somewhat nonsensical sound could easily be associated with uninhibited joy and a lack of coherent thought, similar to the boundless excitement of someone “going gaga” over something new and exciting.
• Echoes of Senility: The term “gaga” in French also carried a connotation of being “senile” or “foolish.” This connection to a diminished mental state, where one might act erratically or with unbridled, perhaps inappropriate, enthusiasm, aligns with the “crazy” or “dotty” aspect of the English idiom.

Evolution of Meaning: From Senility to Superfan

Initially, the English use of “gaga” often leaned towards the meaning of being senile or slightly crazy. However, over time, its usage evolved to primarily describe intense fondness or excessive enthusiasm. This shift likely occurred as the term became more commonplace and its imitative nature lent itself well to describing strong, almost childlike, reactions.

• Infatuation and Adoration: When someone “goes gaga” over a person, a new fashion, or a popular item, it signifies a deep, almost foolish, level of admiration and excitement. This is a far cry from senility, yet the underlying sense of being overwhelmed and perhaps not entirely rational remains.
• Unbridled Enthusiasm: The phrase perfectly captures the spirit of being utterly captivated and showing unrestrained excitement, whether it’s for a new gadget, a celebrity, or a delicious treat. The image is one of someone losing their composure in a delightful way due to strong positive feelings.

Country of Origin: France and the English Adoption

Based on current linguistic research, the phrase “go gaga” appears to have originated in France as the word “gaga,” and then was adopted and popularized in the English language, primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom, in the early 20th century.

Earliest Printed Record

While pinpointing the absolute earliest printed record can be challenging due to the informal nature of idioms, etymological sources generally place the emergence of “gaga” in English between 1915 and 1920. Specific examples often appear in informal contexts like popular literature, newspapers, or personal correspondence before becoming more widely recognized. Its presence in English language materials dating back to the early 20th century confirms its establishment during that period.

Imagining Alternative Origins

Beyond established etymological theories, one can also imagine other playful origins for such a catchy phrase:

• A Sound of Delight: Perhaps “gaga” simply arose as a direct onomatopoeic representation of pure, unadulterated joy or delight, a vocalization akin to a happy gasp or squeal.
• Children’s Play: It’s conceivable that the phrase could have originated in children’s games or nursery rhymes, where simple, repetitive sounds are common and associated with playful excitement. A game where children chase each other, exclaiming “Go, gaga!” in mock excitement could have taken root.
• A Forgotten Character: In the realm of pure imagination, one might envision a popular, perhaps eccentric, fictional character from a bygone era whose catchphrase was “I’m going gaga!” This character’s widespread appeal could have ingrained the term into the public consciousness.

Crazy, Feeling