Meaning
A crazy or deranged person; a lunatic.
Etymology
Origin: Middle English
From Middle English louen, lowen (“rascal; rogue”), probably of Middle Dutch or Middle Low German origin. Compare Dutch loen (“simpleton”). Or, related to etymology 2, due to the bird's loud cry. Folk etymology associates it slang-wise with lunatic, though the latter may have influenced it; see loony.
Synonyms & Antonyms
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 53 recorded puzzles:
- 2026-08-13NACHLOY
- 2026-07-15OBEFILN
- 2026-06-09OEFGILN
- 2026-06-06OEILNTW
- 2026-05-30OAILNTV
- 2026-05-27OEFINLX
- 2026-05-22OATHINL
- 2026-05-10LODNGFI
- 2026-04-25OENIHLP
- 2026-04-12NALECHO
- 2026-03-11NWDTLEO
- 2026-02-24OCFILNT
+41 earlier appearances in the archive.