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Barmy Army

What does the phrase ‘Barmy Army’ mean?

The phrase ‘Barmy Army’ is used to describe a raucous and undisciplined group.

What is the origin of ‘Barmy Army’?

The phrase ‘Barmy Army’ was ioined in the UK and is most often used as an ironic nickname for the travelling supporters of the English cricket team.

Barmy, or balmy, means crazy.

Barm is the froth made by fermenting yeast. Barmy people are those that froth at the mouth, like rabid dogs.

The history of “Barmy Army” in printed materials

Trend of barmy army in printed material over time

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Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
Barmy Army

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