"Mad as a hatter" redirects here. For the Batman episode, see
Mad as a Hatter (Batman: The Animated Series). A hatter is a maker or seller of
hats.
Milliners are a category of hatters who design women's hats.The origin of the proverbial expression mad as a hatter is uncertain. It may derive from:Robert Crab, a
17th century eccentric who gave all his goods to the poor and lived on leaves and grass.
Mercury poisoning suffered by many hatters in the
18th century and
19th century, when
mercury was used in the manufacture of
felt. Absorption of mercury through the skin can cause
Korsakoff's syndrome. These hatters so afflicted were also known as mad hatters.An adaptation of the
Anglo-Saxon word atter meaning poison, closely related to the word adder for the poisonous
Crossed Viper. Lexicographers William and Mary Morris in Morris Dictionary of Word and Phrase Origins (
1977) favour this derivation because "mad as a hatter" was known before hat making was a recognized trade.
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(v. t.)
To tire or worry; -- out.
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