2007-01-21 08:20:33 · 3 answers · asked by Lizangel 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
In popular usage basket case refers to someone in a hopeless mental condition, but in origin it had a physical meaning. In the grim slang of the British army during World War I, it referred to a quadruple amputee. This is one of several expressions that first became popular in World War I, or that entered American army slang from British English at that time. Some of these words reflect technical inventions and innovations of the time, such as parachute, blimp, tank, and bomber, and still have clear military associations. Others have lost most or all of their military connotations, such as ace, chow, slacker, and dud.
2007-01-21 08:24:28 · answer #1 · answered by Tiff 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. It is from WW1. Quadruple amputees were carried in baskets because if they were carried on stretchers they would too likely to fall off. So it basically means any person who is unable to function normally.
2007-01-21 16:42:41 · answer #2 · answered by Ndpndnt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm just guessing, but it may have to do with how they used to have people in insane asylums weave baskets and such...
2007-01-21 16:27:13 · answer #3 · answered by Bedazzled101 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋