How Do You Spell DRIVES BANANAS?

Pronunciation: [dɹˈa͡ɪvz bɐnˈɑːnəz] (IPA)

The spelling of the phrase "drives bananas" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first word "drives" can be transcribed as /draɪvz/, with the diphthong "ai" representing the "ai" sound in "drive" and the "z" indicating a voiced "s" at the end. The second word "bananas" is transcribed as /bəˈnænəz/, with the schwa sound "ə" replacing the unstressed syllable in "ba-", and the final "s" indicating a plural form of "banana". Together, the phrase represents someone or something that is causing craziness or chaos.

DRIVES BANANAS Meaning and Definition

  1. The phrase "drives bananas" is an idiomatic expression that conveys a state of extreme frustration, annoyance, or agitation. It is typically used to describe a situation, event, or behavior that causes someone to become mentally or emotionally unhinged, overwhelmed, or irritated. The term is derived from the literal notion that an excessive exposure to bananas, which are inherently maddening, may result in a loss of composure or rationality.

    When something "drives bananas," it implies that the circumstances or actions involved were so absurd, ridiculous, or exasperating that it pushed an individual to the brink of sanity. This idiom indicates a reaction of feeling overwhelmed, unable to cope, or even on the verge of losing control. While it is not uncommon for people to use such idioms in a lighter, more lighthearted manner, the underlying connotation remains one of genuine vexation or irritation.

    For instance, one might say that a never-ending traffic jam or a constant stream of interruptions at work "drives them bananas." These situations create a heightened level of stress, annoyance, and irritation, potentially provoking outbursts or a general inability to maintain a composed mindset.

    Overall, the expression "drives bananas" refers to an emotional state triggered by a frustrating, agitating, or overwhelming experience, where an individual's patience and composure are profoundly tested.

Common Misspellings for DRIVES BANANAS

  • drives bananes
  • drives banancs
  • drives banana3
  • drives bananac
  • drives bananaq
  • drives bananar
  • d rives bananas
  • dr ives bananas
  • dri ves bananas
  • driv es bananas
  • drive s bananas
  • drives b ananas
  • drives ba nanas
  • drives ban anas
  • drives bana nas
  • drives banan as
  • drives banana s

Etymology of DRIVES BANANAS

The phrase "drives bananas" is an idiomatic expression that means something or someone becomes extremely annoying, crazy, or out of control.

However, it is important to note that "drives bananas" is not a specific word with an etymology. It is a colloquial expression that combines the verb "drives" (meaning to cause) and the noun "bananas" (meaning crazy or insane).

The origin of the phrase is unclear, but it is believed to have emerged in the 20th century as part of American slang. It is likely that "drives bananas" developed as a metaphorical expression, associating someone's behavior with the erratic, unpredictable, and seemingly irrational nature of bananas.