loony bin

noun

, Informal.

1. an insane asylum or the psychiatric ward of a hospital.

loony bin

noun

1. slang.
   a mental hospital or asylum

Word History and Origins

Origin of loony bin¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Maybe he was someone’s relative who had just gotten out of the loony bin.

From Literature

In common parlance, the film was described as being about an “insane asylum” or a “loony bin” filled with people who were “crazy” or “nuts.”

From Washington Post

What was once a ticket to the political loony bin has leaped off Hollywood screens and out of science-fiction novels and into the national conversation.

From Washington Post

Dear Amy: "I'm No Loony" reported that her folks laughed about her grandfather's post-WWII service guarding a military mental hospital, calling it a "loony bin."

From Washington Post

In what was framed as a funny anecdote, my parents and aunt repeatedly talked about my grandfather's time guarding the "loony bin."

From Washington Post

Related Words

• mental health facility
• mental health institution
• psychiatric hospital