loon
word
Definition
A loon is a large water bird known for its eerie, haunting calls. In informal English, 'loon' can also mean a crazy or foolish person.
Usage & Nuances
As a bird, 'loon' is specific to North America and northern regions. As slang for 'crazy person', it's informal and slightly old-fashioned. Common in phrases like 'he's a real loon.' Not to be confused with 'loonies' (slang for Canadian dollar or crazy people).
Spanish: somormujo - loco (coloquial)Portuguese (BR): mergulhão - louco (informal)Portuguese (PT): mergulhão - doido (informal)Chinese (Simplified): 潜鸟 - 疯子（俚语）Chinese (Traditional): 潛鳥 - 瘋子（俚語）Hindi: लून पक्षी - पागल (अनौपचारिक)Arabic: غواص (طائر) - مجنون (عامية)Bengali: লুন (পাখি) - পাগল (লোক)Russian: гагарa - псих (разг.)Japanese: アビ（鳥） - 気違い（スラング）Vietnamese: chim lặn - người điên (thông tục)Korean: 아비새 - 미친 사람 (속어)Turkish: balıkçıl (kuş) - kaçık (argo)Urdu: لوّن (پرندہ) - پاگل (غیر رسمی)Indonesian: loon (burung) - orang gila (bahasa gaul)
Example Sentences
You’re being a total loon—stop jumping on the couch!
natural
The loon lives on the lake.
basic
Did you hear the loon calling last night?
basic
He acts like a loon sometimes.
basic
The haunting call of a loon always reminds me of summer at the cabin.
natural
Only a real loon would try to swim across the lake in April!
natural