basket case

Meaning

1. (colloquial, historical, offensive) Someone (especially a soldier) who has lost all four limbs.
2. (colloquial) An institution or country in a bad condition or difficult situation (economically, financially or otherwise).
3. (colloquial) One made powerless or ineffective, as by nerves, panic, stress or exhaustion; someone considered mentally unstable.

Synonyms

loony

madman

Translations

cas désespéré

zenuwpees

pilha de nervos

Etymology

From basket + case, based on rumors during World War I that wounded soldiers were transported in baskets.